KUCHING: Sarawak DAP leaders have urged the state Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, for alleged corruption and other wrongdoings.
Padungan state assemblyman Wong King Wei said the MACC has been given the mandate to operate as an independent entity which reports directly to Parliament - thus, they should carry out a probe without fear or favour.
“We are not against Taib (personally). We are fighting against corruption under the new Pakatan Harapan government,” Wong said at a press conference at the party headquarters here.
He pointed out that as former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was recently hit with 25 charges of graft and money laundering, the time has come to look into the wealth of Taib, who served as Sarawak Chief Minister from 1981 to 2014.
“With so many reports and allegations about Taib, the MACC should take the initiative to investigate him. It is their duty and responsibility.
“They shouldn’t (hide behind the excuse) that there is no investigation (because) they haven’t receive any formal reports.
“Whether (Taib) would be charged or not, that’s another issue. As for now, we want the authorities to investigate him,” Wong added.
Two months ago, MACC chief commissioner Mohd Shukri Abdull said 15 investigation files were opened between 2015 and 2016 to investigate Taib.
However, no action was taken, as investigations revealed that he did not chair any meetings or make decisions in his capacity as Chief Minister on certain dubious or controversial projects.
Meanwhile, Bandar Kuching Member of Parliament Dr Kelvin Yii also urged the MACC to reopen its case on Taib over to his unexplained wealth, and long-standing allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
He said he had raised the issue in Parliament and was informed that the MACC had carried out several investigations on the now-Governor, the findings of which were submitted to the then-Attorney General, who decided to close the cases in 2013.
“So, it’s time to reopen the case(s). The MACC must at least get a statement from Taib and other relevant parties,” he added.