Why not MACC asset declarations on the 'suddenly rich': Pejuang man to PM

A Pejuang leader has challenged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to let MACC order asset declarations on certain individuals who got rich after he came to power.

This followed Anwar's statement in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, where he said MACC could only prosecute two out of eight Sabah state assemblypersons implicated in the mining licence corruption scandal because they need a "strong case" in court.

In a statement, Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali lambasted the prime minister and accused him of practising double standards.

The lawyer compared Anwar's remarks with recent cases involving Anwar's political nemesis, including MACC's extensive probe against former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, and Anwar's allegation that former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad had amassed wealth to enrich himself when he was in power.

"The prime minister was acting like he had selective amnesia. Favouritism. Double standards.

"If he really wants to be fair, then take up this challenge.

"Let MACC issue notice under Section 36(1) of the MACC Act to every person who suddenly becomes a successful businessperson at a young age after Anwar becomes the prime minister.

"Or do you also need a strong case (to do this)?" he asked.

While Rafique (above) did not mention any names, it is believed that he was aiming at Anwar's former political secretary, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, who emerged as a successful businessperson after Anwar came to power.

Previously, former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli had also called for MACC to investigate Farhash.

Yesterday, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that MACC decided to prosecute only two Sabah assemblypersons implicated in the scandal because they "must focus on cases that are strong enough to prosecute".

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