PARLIAMENT A claim made by a backbencher in the Dewan Rakyat today that Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim stashed away RM332 million in 20 banks in four countries, including Israel, drew an angry response from opposition members.

Quoting anti-secrecy organisation WikiLeaks, Liang Teck Meng (BN-Simpang Renggam) said the Permatang Pauh MP was said to have a treasure-trove of US$66 million (RM209 million) and S$$49 million (RM123 million) in 20 banks in the United States, China and Singapore, besides Israel.

NONE "This information went viral on the Internet. And when I read this, I wonder where this money comes from," Liang ( left ) said when debating the motion of thanks on the Royal Address.

Liang said all the accounts had detailed particulars of the holder's name, position and passport number as well as the dates the accounts were opened and the maturity dates.

Therefore, he said, the government should investigate the matter as one of the accounts was opened in Israel, with which Malaysia has no diplomatic relations.

Tian Chua (PKR-Batu), who was the first to come to Anwar's defence, asked Liang to provide proof to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to enable investigations to be carried out.

"We've been pursuing our struggles for 15 years and we didn't even get a single sen. If our leader is so rich, we also want to know about it," Tian Chua said.

Opposition challenged: Sue WikiLeaks

Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun (DAP-Jelutong) said if Liang failed to provide the necessary proof, he should be taken to task by the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee.

Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) interjected and challenged the opposition to sue WikiLeaks for posting the information.

Liang ended the debate by criticising Anwar for opening a bank account in Israel, saying this showed that he had reneged on his stand against the Israeli invasion of Gaza.

"When the prime minister tabled a special motion condemning the Israeli invasion of Gaza last year, the Permatang Pauh together with PAS and the DAP condemned the incursion. But behind our backs, he has an account in the country concerned," said Liang.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow.

- Bernama