FBI letter writer cannot hide behind the OSA
YOURSAY ‘Does the ministry conduct such charitable works for alleged criminals?’
Zahid denies defending alleged kingpin
Kingfisher: It is quite intriguing as to why a home minister admits that he wrote a letter in his official capacity (without) prior approval from the cabinet, on the urging of a private lawyer who is associated with the defence of alleged person in question and then subsequently claims that he had no intentions of supporting the alleged crime king via his letter.
He further claims that he informed the cabinet after the event and the cabinet " accepted " his explanation. The minister perhaps is of the opinion that most Malaysians are either naïve or just ignoramus and hence not capable of making a simple content analysis of his letter to dismiss his line of argument.
Something about this whole episode smells rotten. Also the fact that the cabinet, the PM and the foreign minister had nothing to say about what is perceived as a potentially disastrous international public relations image of the country in respect to crime and alleged criminals.
Vijay47: Zahid, if you were not the arrogant obnoxious bully that you are, people may have been more willing to view your defence more generously. That you are one of Umno's most repugnant wretches does not help your case either.
Almost every point in your "accepted explanation" is wrought with the falsehood Umno is known for. Is it the practice of the Malaysian government to seek and enjoy the services of international criminals?
You said your letter was merely to set the record straight regarding Paul Phua’s association with the criminal underworld. Does the Home Ministry usually conduct such charitable works, especially without the knowledge of the police, the makers of a contradicting report?
In fact your letter was a glowing tribute to the virtues of this bosom pal. Was Phua perhaps wishing to join a seminary?
Atilla: The question is why did Zahid go through all the trouble to defend Phua? Is Phua really that important to Malaysia to warrant the minister writing this letter?
Would Zahid have done the same for any other Malaysians who are arrested for crimes in other countries in future? Nobody in their right mind would have done what Zahid did and that is exactly what's boggling our mind.
Aries46: Whatever reasons that Zahid may now attest to vindicate his questionable actions will do little to absolve his perceived wrongdoing.
Issuing a letter in support of a known gaming kingpin arraigned in two countries for his illegal activities, that contravenes police findings and merely on the behest of his lawyer friend, is not something that can be explained away one way or another.
Significantly, contrary to Zahid’s contentions regarding the conduct of Phua vis a vis national security and his involvement in the 14K triad, the IGP (inspector-general of police) has stood by the police findings.
And neither the AG (attorney-general), PM nor his cabinet seems aware of Zahid’s letter thus consigning it as a unilateral action.
Zahid has yet to tell us whether his portfolio empowers him to issue letters of support for known felons and exceptions, if any.
Sali Tambap: Zahid stressed that the letter “was not meant to defend alleged kingpin Paul Phua who is facing trial in the United States”, when he wrote, “Mr Phua is neither a member nor he is associated with 14k Triad ... and we continue to call upon him to assist us from time to time and we are eager for him to return to Malaysia.”
His denial has put him in a deeper s**t. It was not clever at all. Faced with unequivocal evidence when his letter was found out, he should have just admitted his complicity and asked for forgiveness from the nation for his treachery in smearing its name by his dishonourable act.
But he is not a man of honour, for if he is, he would have taken responsibility and resigned. We cannot expect anything honourable from this minister. He must be seething with anger at the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) for releasing the letter, his little secret which he thought he only would know.
Speaking Sense: But why write the letter? It is not Zahid’s business to do so. If he does not understand the boundaries of his responsibilities surely he is not fit to be a minister. Advice to Zahid - don't try to defend the indefensible; just resign and fade away.
Hang Tuah: Indeed, whatever damage control is too late. No one in their right mind would believe you, everyone knows the truth. You are just trying to get out of this mess you created.
Whatever connections you may have with the kingpin is imprinted in the minds of every Malaysian. You cannot wash away the dirt from your tainted actions. Period.
John Malott: Zahid must think that we Americans are stupid. We read your letter, Zahid. And it was rejected by the US court. Yes, rejected.
That's why I wrote over a week ago that it's not worth the paper it's printed on .
Gerard Lourdesamy: Did Zahid consult with the AG, IGP and Foreign Ministry before sending out this so-called "confirmation letter"?
Why was the request conveyed to Zahid by the US defence lawyers through their Malaysian counterpart Shafee and not through the normal diplomatic channels?
Is Zahid in the habit of giving such letters when Malaysians are arrested and charged abroad? Why did his letter contradict the earlier finding by the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) that was conveyed to the FBI regarding Phua's alleged connection to the 14K triad?
Did Zahid check with the Hong Kong police after this connection before issuing his letter? This matter should be subject to an MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) investigation and a parliamentary select committee since it involves national security.
FellowMalaysian: Zahid's action in writing to the FBI in defence of Paul Phua will remain as an astounding controversy until he cared enough to explain to the public what national security services Phua had contributed that had made him leaped to Paul's rescue.
Otherwise, we cannot fault anyone who thinks that Zahid did it on his own accord without first getting cabinet's approval with an ulterior motive behind the action.
Now with the cabinet's backing, the situation has gotten worse as the entire government is now seen as supporting a well-known kingpin gambler caught in the middle of his illegal gambling operation and now standing trial in a US court.
Of course, needless to say that if Phua had conducted his scam in Bolehland, he would have gotten away with a slap in his hand.
Minister is not telling the truth, PM must act
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