IPOH: The decision to acquit Tun Musa Aman of all corruption and money laundering charges was made in 2020, during the tenure of then-Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"What is the issue? Why complain as if it is a big problem? Was there a case brought forward? No, the case was closed."
Anwar said the decision to appoint Musa as Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri was under the jurisdiction of the state and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
While acknowledging the appointment, Anwar stressed that he could not overstep the boundaries of his powers as outlined in the Federal Constitution.
"Now, after the Agong has given his consent, what is my stance? I welcome the Agong's decision and pray that Tun Musa Aman will be a good Yang di-Pertua Negeri for Sabah," said the Prime Minister.
The Tambun Member of Parliament made these remarks after launching Lim Kit Siang: Malaysia First, a book authored by Kee Thuan Chye, at a restaurant here today.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, DAP Chairman Lim Guan Eng, and DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.
It was reported on June 9, 2020, that Musa Aman was acquitted and discharged of all 46 criminal charges linked to timber concession contracts in the state.
This followed deputy public prosecutor Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid's announcement in court that the prosecution was withdrawing all corruption and money-laundering charges against the accused.
Musa was first brought to court on Nov 5, 2018, to face corruption charges. Later, on March 5, 2019, he was charged with 16 counts of money laundering.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Musa, 73, had been appointed as the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah under Article 1 of the Sabah Constitution for a four-year term, effective Jan 1, 2025, until Dec 31, 2028.
He replaces Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, whose term expires on Dec 31 after serving in the post since Jan 1, 2011.
Some have criticised his appointment, citing his previous corruption and money laundering charges.