AP Issue - PM Need to Act Now

I would like to refer to the interview given by the former PM, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, in the Exchange program aired on TV3 recently. For those of you wandering what happened, check this pages out:

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/10/15/nation/12331652&sec=nation
http://www.jeffooi.com/

Since the AP issue was raised 5mths ago, the former PM, MPs, UMNO Youth, members at the UMNO General Assembly, opposition parties etc have all demanded that the Minister in charge gave an explanation for the alleged irregularities and abuses. Sadly no satisfactory answers have been given so far. Yet more and more questions crop up.

So far none of the culprits have been charged for under-declaration despite the huhaa. On the other had, the former Customs D-G was thrown into the spotlight for the alleged RM5mio retirement parties.

No investigation was carried out into why those without proper business set-up like showrooms or assembly plants as required, were given thousands of APs. Yet the Govt still talks about transparency.

Proton problems brought up by the former CEO were not addressed, yet the CEO was indirectly 'punished' by his contract not renewed for speaking up.

The ACA was sent into MITI to investigate a few months ago (as per report in the newspapers), yet until today we don't hear any progress of their investigations.

There is really something wrong with this country. Even the combined weight of the former PM, MPs, UMNO Youth, members at the UMNO General Assembly etc can't seem to get things done. It appears that things only move in this country if the Prime Minister says so.

So what does it say about lesser mortals like us in trying to fight for transparency and justice in this country?

As a citizen, I am very angry and sad to see this state of affairs.

As a Bumi, I am further angry by the fact policies which are intended to help the majority of Bumis seems to only benefit a few people i.e the cronies under the pretex of helping Bumis, as evidenced by this AP issue.

I am angry that no heads have rolled so far i.e those that should be made accountable haven't been made to do so.

The PM needs to close this issue once and for all. He can act by simply:-

1. Sack the Minister. She has been given over 5mths to provide satisfactory explanation but she hasn't. Public patience has worn out. There is also no point for the Minister to respond since she has lost credibility. Let an independent third party to investigate and respond to all allegations.

2. Then sent in ACA to investigate MITI. Give them one month to complete and publish the investigation. Provide detailed answers to the allegations brought up by the former PM. Other heads who're involved should roll as well.

3. Investigate the AP abusers especially the 2 AP Kings who unlike NAZA the 3rd AP King, do not have a proper business set-up , yet were given thousand of APs. Was corruption involved somewhere.

4. Give the Customs-Dept one month to bring to book the culprits who under-declared.

5. Open up MITI's 'books' for further investigation eg. allocation of shares to Bumis. If there is alleged irregularities in one area i.e AP, there is a chance that other areas could be affected as well. Maybe if the Govt disclose the list of recipients for the Bumi shares, it might suffer the same fate as the APs i.e only a few cronies monopoly the awards.

The PM cannot act as though he is like an innocent bystander, whereas the public is looking for his leadership and decision. If he doesn't act, it appears he's giving immunity to the Minister. Worst case is we might lose confidence on his ability to govern the country if this small issue can't be resolved soon.

As soon to be young professionals, we support his policies to weed out corruption and to bring more transparency into the system. We sincerely hope his words can be translated into effective actions.