PAS has challenged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to follow former Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) panellist Robert Phang’s example, and take legal action against businessman Deepak Jaikishan over the latter’s public statements.

PAS vice president Mahfuz Omar said if Phang had the courage to sue former inspector-general of police (IGP) Musa Hassan to clear his name of the latter’s allegations, Najib should have the same courage.

NONE “I salute Robert Phang who has sued Musa because of his courage to clear his name.

“The rakyat are also waiting for Najib to show courage to act against Deepak, whose allegations smear the reputation of Najib and his family.

“I am not sure if it is Robert Phang who is more courageous than Najib, or if Najib is more scared than Phang,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference at PAS’ headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Mahfuz ( right ) said it was not just a question of Najib's reputation, but that of the country's.

“I challenge Najib (to act against Deepak’s claims). This is not just about Najib and his family, but concerns the nation,” he said.

On Thursday Phang threatened to sue Musa for alleging that the former MACC panellist had caused a police officer to be transferred for refusing to commission a police communications project in 2009.

In contrast, carpet trader Deepak’s allegations against Najib regarding, amongst others, the saga of private-eye P Balasubramaniam's second statutory declaration (SD), has met with complete silence from the PM.

Najib's refusal to respond publicly to the various damaging statements has drawn all round criticism .

‘MACC not GE vetting agent’

On another matter, Mahfuz expressed concern over the MACC’s recent suggestion to vet candidates for the coming general election asking if it would lead to any firm action.

“The issue is, if a candidate is proven clean during the vetting, but when elected as a MP, the minister becomes involved in graft, will MACC dare to take action?” he asked.

“The question is whether MACC dares to take action when there is a case, not to become a vetting agent for the elections.

“Although the suggestion to vet candidates is good, it is the functioning and actions of the MACC after the process that is questionable.

“It is better for the parties themselves to vet their candidates. After all, there are already (graft) cases right now that MACC has failed to act on,” he said.