Barisan Nasional backbenchers expressed unhappiness after the International Trade and Industry Ministry yesterday released a list of parliamentarians who have received an Approved Permit (AP).

They claimed the publication of their names in major newspapers today is likely to lead to misconception among voters that they were involved in the recent scandal surrounding the issuance of open and franchise APs.

Every MP is entitled to one AP to import a car for personal use. A total of 337 MPs from both the Barisan Nasional and opposition parties have exercised their entitlement from 2000 up to this month.

During the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, Ahmad Zainudin Omar (BN-Larut) asked the ministry to clarify that MPs are entitled to an AP for personal use and not to bring in cars for re-sale.

His request was immediately echoed by fellow backbenchers including Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) who interjected: "That's right, the people will be confused...they will think we are also linked to alleged irregularities over issuance of APs."

In another supplementary question, Wan Junaidi Jaafar (BN-Santubong) demanded that the ministry should call a press conference to clear the air.

"I have received many SMS (short message service) since yesterday asking about this issue. This has tarnished our names and given the wrong impression to the public," said the MP who sounded irked.

Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) asked why the ministry has only released the names of recipients since 2000, when he had asked for the list dating back to 1978.

Not diversionary tactic

Replying, deputy international trade and industry minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah clarified that the ministry has already said each MP is entitled to an AP for personal use.

At a press conference later, Husni said the ministry did not mean to shift attention away from the ongoing AP controversy by releasing the names of the parliamentarians and other individuals.

"This is not the ministry's intention...there is no ulterior motive. I also don't know how this happened, it does not do us any good," he said.

He added that every Malaysian is entitled to apply for an AP but must fulfil certain conditions - for example, those studying or working abroad and have purchased a car for personal use are allowed to bring it back home.

When met, Backbenchers Club secretary Rosli Mat Hassan (BN-Dungun) said backbenchers should not fear their names being published since they have nothing to hide.