On 6 October 2016, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) made a historical seizure of assets from high-ranking officials of the Sabah Water Department. The assortment of valuables confiscated is multifold, ranging from RM53 million cold hard cash, 127 land grants, nine luxury vehicles, branded watches, 19.3kg in jewellery, 94 handbags to safes that remain to be opened. And thus, on suspicion of corruption, Sabah Water Department director Ag Tahir Ag Talib, and his deputy Teo Chee Kong, were arrested.
Sumber Gambar: Berita Harian
This heart-stopping yield marks the biggest ever seizure in the history of the MACC – reminiscent of the recent asset seizure of $1 billion in assets tied to 1MDB by the United States Department of Justice, no less. The Malaysian government seems to be setting many records — none are good.
Yet, Najib has stayed silence on many pertinent, national issues. Over the past weeks, he has stayed reticent on the thuggery by members of the Red Shirt movement – led by none other than Umno Sungai Besar division chief Jamal Yunos – against peaceful Bersih 5 convoys. Now, he remains tight-lipped about kleptocracy unveiling under his nose. This silence is Najib’s tacit admission of his leadership priorities, that that safeguarding is position of power by reinforcing his administration – honest or not – is imperative, more so than good governance that would improve the socio-economic wellbeing of hardworking Malaysians earning an honest living.
His priority is himself, not the nation.
NURUL IZZAH ANWAR
Member of Parliament Lembah Pantai
Vice President and Election Director of KEADILAN
