Former rural development minister Annuar Musa claimed that there is an attempt to "politically assassinate" him by publishing news and articles on the alleged misappropriation of funds under the Hardcore Poverty Development Projects (PPRT), now under police investigation.

On Nov 12, Berita Harian , quoting police sources, reported on its front page that an election candidate had misused half of the RM40 million PPRT fund for Kelantan.

"Not many politicians were involved in PPRT projects in Kelantan, and in this case there is only one person, especially if it was connected to the Kelantan Umno leadership," Annuar said in an open letter published by Utusan Malaysia today.

Annuar, who is also Umno supreme council member, said press reports give the impression that he was involved because the "misappropriation" was alleged to have occurred during his tenure as rural development minister.

He challenged the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) group chief editor Abdullah Ahmad, as a person holding an influential position in Berita Harian , to disclose the identity of the election candidate.

"I am prepared to face the consequences," Annuar said.

Prepared for consequences

Abdullah, who also has a weekly column in Utusan Malaysia , had on Nov 11 under the headline Skandal PPRT Kelantan - contoh klasik kes harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi (Kelantan PPRT scandal - A classic case of betrayal) wrote that the PPRT issue was one of the major issues which caused the downfall of Barisan Nasional in Kelantan and Terengganu in the last election.

"If there were rules not observed (in the implementation of projects), it is not difficult to find out who is responsible. What is needed is a thorough investigation in accordance with the law," he added.

Unfortunately, Annuar said, it appeared that certain quarters have already passed judgment, be it direct or indirectly, before the police and the Anti-Corruption Agency have even completed their investigation.

"They should instead be patient, and if they have any evidence related to the investigation they should come forward with the information. Writing articles and hiding behind the innuendos for fear of being prosecuted is an irresponsible act," he added.

PM's attention

Annuar, who is also the deputy chairperson of the Kelantan Umno liaison committee, said the committee in its meeting last week discussed matters relating to Abdullah's criticism on the state Umno.

Annuar also said that the committee has decided to bring the matter to the attention of party president Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Let the public also assess Abdullah's performance when he was a former political secretary, deputy minister, member of Parliament, Umno division head and a Kelantan millionaire. His service records are still fresh in the minds of the people, especially those in Kok Lanas, Machang and Peringat," he added.