KUALA LUMPUR: Umno secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa has called on the rule of law to be practiced in all investigations, including any involving former Barisan Nasional ministers and deputy ministers.
Annuar was commenting on reports that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had allegedly told the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to exert pressure on the individuals to compel them to cross over to Dr Mahathir’s party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
“I’ve been asked by many people on whether the allegations are true.
“I feel that it would be unfair to make baseless accusations. As I have no evidence, it is difficult for me to say whether this is true or otherwise,” he said.
However, he noted that in principle, those in power must adhere to the rule of law.
“The MACC has a duty to investigate and everyone has to respect their duty. Everyone should extend their cooperation as without any investigation, facts cannot be obtained.
“It is better to have an investigation than to have a trial by media or to be slandered on social media,” he said via a Facebook post.
He also noted that the investigation has to be fair and just, and not meant to find fault and judge people before they are even found guilty.
“The prime minister has a heavy task and responsibility as a leader. Let him carry out his duty the best way he can.
“Those of us destined to become the opposition can still play an effective role without having to resort to baseless accusations, lies and uncouth behaviour,” he said.
Watan Online in its report, had quoted a source as claiming that the prime minister had instructed the MACC to investigate Cabinet ministers from the previous BN government, especially Umno ministers.
The source claimed the commission already has a shortlist of names of those who are about to be investigated.
It was alleged that this formed part of an effort to pressure Umno leaders to leave the party and join PPBM.