Unfair to keep linking me with ex-aide Farhash, says Anwar

The prime minister says the contract in question was approved by the previous government, not his administration.

(FMT) – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today it was unfair to continue linking him to his former political secretary following a news report claiming that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission was instructed not to investigate Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak.

Citing sources, Bloomberg reported last month that MACC chief Azam Baki allegedly told his officers Anwar instructed the agency not to investigate share purchases involving Farhash.

The Prime Minister’s Office and MACC have since denied the claims.

Addressing the matter today during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar made it clear that any allegation should be properly investigated, regardless of who is involved.

“If there’s a report, it must be investigated. MACC should act based on their investigation – what’s the issue, what company is involved?

“I believe even Pasir Mas (Ahmad Fadhli Shaari) knows the company, it’s linked to Tuanku Sultan, not Farhash,” he said, referring to HeiTech Padu Bhd, which is jointly owned with Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan.

Anwar explained that the contract for the company in question was approved by the previous government, not his administration.

“I don’t want to prolong this issue. It just so happens that Farhash was (part of) my personnel about four or five years ago, and that’s why this matter was raised.”

Separately, Anwar said legal action is being considered against Bloomberg over reports alleging that MACC acted on his instructions during investigations into certain individuals.

He also confirmed that police had summoned Bloomberg’s representatives and related individuals for questioning on Oct 1, 8 and 11.

“This is the second instance in which Bloomberg has made dangerous accusations. (The first being) against the prime minister and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (for) allegedly giving the approval for the construction of a casino,” he said.

Anwar also said he would leave it to the police to conduct their investigation and allow the attorney-general to take appropriate action if there is any misreporting.