‘Twice too many’ – Calls grow for Anwar to sue Bloomberg over claim he spared Farhash from graft probe
“It is convenient to issue an official statement every time Bloomberg behaves like this”
(MalaysiaNow) – Saying the allegation involves abuse of power, Rafique Rashid urges Cabinet to question Anwar on the issue surrounding his former political secretary.
Calls have gathered momentum for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to take legal action against Bloomberg to clear his name following the financial news outlet’s second damning report against him this year, this time involving an allegation of power abuse similar to the charges for which he was jailed two decades ago.
On Thursday, Bloomberg cited three informed sources as saying that Anwar had instructed Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, Azam Baki, not to investigate his former political secretary Farhash Wafa Salvador over the controversial purchase of shares in a company linked to the development of a new billion-ringgit immigration system.
The report also claimed that Azam had told MACC officials that the investigations into former leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his three sons and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin were launched on Anwar’s instructions.
Since coming to power, Anwar has twice renewed Azam’s tenure to helm MACC despite attacking the anti-graft chief over allegations of owning millions of listed shares.
The latest claims have been denied by MACC and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), in what lawyer Rafique Rashid said was a similar reaction to Bloomberg’s shocking revelation just five months ago that Anwar had met with prominent tycoons to discuss a plan to open a casino in Johor’s Forest City.
Authorities had subsequently interrogated several Bloomberg journalists, although Anwar ignored calls to clear his name.
Speaking to MalaysiaNow, Rafique said Anwar should sue Bloomberg for defamation, adding that a statement from PMO was not enough to convince the public.
