KUALA LUMPUR: The controversy surrounding the return of Chin Peng’s ashes dominated the proceedings at the Dewan Rakyat here yesterday, with Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu forced to field a barrage of questions from opposition members of parliament to state his stand on the issue.
Mohamad said he would only do so once the Home Ministry completed its investigation into the matter.
He said the authorities had to establish the veracity of the claims first.
“The big talking point today is the ashes. But this matter should be brought to the Home Ministry.
“The issue has to be investigated in detail. Were they really his (Chin Peng’s) ashes? When were they brought into the country? All these fall under the purview of the Home Ministry,” he told the august house.
However, Mohamad’s statement drew the ire of Tan Sri Noh Omar (BN-Tanjung Karang) and Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar (BN-Rembau), who pressed the former to state his stand on the issue.
Noh urged Mohamad to state whether he agreed that the ashes should have been brought to Malaysia or otherwise.
Khairy said Mohamad should make his stand clear given that he represented the voice of members of the armed forces.
Mohamad repeated his statement that he would state his stand once the Home Ministry wrapped up its probe.
Mohamad said that upon being informed of the issue, he contacted former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Rahim Noor, who headed the 1989 Hat Yai peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of Malaya.
“Rahim has his views and I will state mine and issue a statement soon.
“There are various opinions on this issue. I will make my stand clear once the Home Ministry concludes its investigation.”
Mohamad’s statement was met with a retort by Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) who said: “When you were a member of the opposition, Yang Berhormat (Mohamad) had agreed that they (the ashes) should not be brought back. Does this mean that you are making a U-turn?”
Mohamad replied: “There are many out there who say that my ceramah is not as good as before. So as a minister, I have to be careful with my words.
“That is why, when I wish to make a statement, it’s not an easy matter. It was easier when I was in the opposition.
“So once again I say that I will make my stand once the Home Ministry’s investigation is concluded,” he said.