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Citizens’ Declaration crafted after other measures failed, says Dr M’s lawyer
Published:  May 24, 2016 7:39 AM
Updated: 11:48 PM

The Citizens’ Declaration was crafted after it appeared that all other measures to seek justice had failed, according to senior lawyer Mohamad Haniff Khatri Abdulla.

Haniff, who is representing former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his suit against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, said this during a rally in Langkawi last Saturday night

He claimed that instead of addressing the allegations surrounding the RM2.6 billion in his personal accounts, the prime minister instead chose to remove his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin and another minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, who are among the critics.

“When investigations were being carried out, what did Najib do? He removed attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail, who still had 60 days before retirement, and replaced him.

“These three actions (of removal) show that he (Najib) is (guilty),” Haniff claimed.

Efforts of investigators thwarted

He also said that evidence showing the prime minister’s “wrongdoing” was suppressed with the efforts of the 1MDB investigators, such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Bank Negara and the police, being thwarted.

A video recording of the lawyer's speech is posted on his Facebook.

Najib has repeatedly denied abusing public funds for personal gain or that he misused his power to impede investigations.

Putrajaya has also stated that Gani was removed as AG on health grounds.

As for the RM2.6 billion, it was described as a political donation from the Middle East, and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir recently said his government was aware of the contribution and that it was given without expectations.

Najib and his allies have accused Mahathir of masterminding these allegations to topple the prime minister, in order to pave the way for the political ascension of his son Mukhriz to the post of prime minister.

Meanwhile, Haniff questioned how government departments could secure further evidence when they are not allowed to source for it in the first place.

This was especially so with attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali having refused to allow the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to use the international mutual legal assistance (MLA) treaty to seek investigations overseas.

'Rulers can act on the matter'

As for the Citizens’ Declaration, the lawyer said asking Najib to step down is legal according to the constitution and does not amount to wanting to overthrow the government.

“Let me ask, Najib inherited this government from whom? It was (from former prime minister) Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Was the government overthrown? No!

“If Najib alleges that forcing Abdullah to step down is wrong, then he should surrender back his seat to Abdullah, since he obtained that seat the illegal way,” Haniff added.

He also argued that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers could act on this matter, since Najib took his oath of office before the Agong to uphold the law and the constitution.

“Hence, there is no obstacle (for the rulers to act) and if this is not done, the people must answer (by signing the declaration).

“The time has come for us to ask if the government has given ample explanations or answers on the alleged abuse of funds, the audit (and related matters),” Haniff said.

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