Hisham: Don’t politicise serious issues
KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein urged the people not to politicise current issues, including those surrounding 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
Hishammuddin said the opposition would always take the opportunity to politicise any issue.
“Whatever it is, they will do their level best to take advantage of it,” he said, adding that it was “their job”.
Hishammuddin, who is also Umno vice-president, said this at a Hari Raya event organised by Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) here yesterday.
“My stand on the 1MDB issue has always been consistent; this is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed.
“We have to think wisely and any action taken should be in accordance with three principles: accountability, rationalisation and transparency,” he said on the opposition’s calls for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to step down following the recent filing of civil suits by the US Department of Justice.
“If someone wants to politicise it, the public can see for themselves what their purposes and intentions are.
“If they want to blame the prime minister, they can see if it is merely political rhetoric or a real attempt at finding justice and a solution to the 1MDB issue.
“We should not get carried away and get emotional about this issue. I am sure the opposition will bring this matter to Parliament soon, followed by rallies.
“We want justice and the truth. But in doing so, we should not allow innocent parties to become victims,” he said, adding that international investigations on the matter would only assist local investigations.
On Wednesday, the US Department of Justice named three individuals — businessman Riza Aziz, Good Star Limited owner Low Taek
(second from right) receiving a mock cheque for RM10 million for Yayasan Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) from
General Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali Che Mat (second from left) at a Hari Raya event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. With them are LTAT chairman Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor (left) and LTAT chief executive Tan Sri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin. Pic by Aizuddin Saad
Jho (or Jho Low) and Mohamed Badawy al-Husseiny, a former official at a government fund in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates — in a civil complaint.
The civil complaint stated that more than US$1 billion (RM4.02 billion) in assets were bought with money believed to be stolen from funds directly linked to 1MDB.
On a separate note, Hishammuddin launched Yayasan Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT), a foundation formed by companies within the LTAT group. The foundation was previously called Yayasan Warisan Perajurit prior to a rebranding exercise.
It aims to improve the wellbeing of serving and retired members of the armed forces and their families.
Contributions from LTAT and its companies has reached RM200 million, benefitting 22,000 serving and retired members of the armed forces.
Meanwhile, Umno information
chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the US Department of Justice’s suit was being used as political “ammunition” by the opposition to undermine Najib.
Annuar said this could be seen from the opposition’s excitement in believing they had finally obtained a “verdict” on the prime minister.
“But the DoJ’s action is based on a civil complaint, which, under their laws, allows them to seize and recover any assets, investment or money found to have stemmed from wrongful activities and return it to the victimised party of the fraud (if the allegations are proven to be true in a US court),” he said.
Annuar welcomed the DoJ’s move, as long as it adhered to the rule of law.
“The civil action under US law (US) is in line with the principles and commitment of the (Malaysian) government.”
Annuar said if any individuals were found to have committed an
offence under any existing law in the US or elsewhere, then the legal process should take its course.
“This is just the start. We believe those involved will be given the opportunity to obtain justice.”
Annuar said it was important to note the prime minister was not named in the DoJ’s civil complaint.
“But anyone found guilty will be punished in accordance with the law, as stressed by Najib,” Annuar said.
On opposition parties calling for Najib to step down, Annuar said it was nothing more than a cheap political tactic.
“This is because Najib is democratically elected... while, the opposition leader was clearly charged in court with criminal offence but refused to leave or quit. He even tried to drag the public into rescuing him.
“This is a reflection of their double standards.”