Anwar: Impossible to hide RM208b in illicit outflows
KR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has called for immediate investigations by the authorities into allegations regarding massive illicit capital outflows from Malaysia.
The PKR leader, a former finance minister, said the gov't has something to hide if there is no probe.
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PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has called for immediate investigations by the authorities into allegations regarding massive illicit capital outflows from Malaysia.
He was referring to Washington-based financial watchdog Global Financial Integrity (GFI) latest report which said that such illicit outflows have more than tripled since 2000 to RM208 billion in 2008.
"We urge the finance minister to answer (these allegations) and conduct an all encompassing investigation," said Anwar (left) at a party function in Ampang today.
"Do not protect the corrupt. If they fail, it is clear that it involves major personalities in BN and the government. It is impossible that RM208 billion (in illicit funds) cannot be detected," he added.
Anwar, a former finance minister, said he had studied the report thoroughly and is convinced with the veracity of the allegations.
He said that he was shocked that the amount involved was this big, but given the sheer volume there would definitely be a money trail.
"What need to be done urgently is to conduct an independent (investigation). The treasury and the central bank must explain," he said.
Thus far, there has been no official reaction from the authorities on the embarrassing report which has put Malaysia's enforcement of monetary regulations in question.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak refused to comment on the matter when asked on Friday, but said that Bank Negara will issue a statement on the matter soon.
Simultaneous polls has its advantageous
Meanwhile, Anwar said that Sarawak Pakatan Rakyat leaders need not worry about state polls being held simultaneously with the general elections.
He admitted that some Sarawak Pakatan leaders had expressed hope that the elections would be held separately in order for them to rope in coalition's peninsula Malaysia based leaders during the campaign for the state polls, as seen during the coalition's successful campaign for the Sibu by-election.
"But, (simultaneous polls) can be advantageous to us. The reinforcements which the federal government sent to Sibu cannot happen if polls were held simultaneously.
"This happened during the general elections. We are usually paralysed by this during the by-elections, but during the general elections, they (BN) have to spread out (their machinery) because we are attacking from all fronts," he said.
The current term for BN in Sarawak will end in July and there is increasing talk that state polls will be held simultaneously with the general elections.
Traditionally, Sarawak polls are held ahead of the general elections as a sort of a barometer for BN but Najib has refused to rule out the possibility that it is held at the same time as a snap general election.
'Normala's refusal to shake hands a non-issue'
On Pakatan's preparedness for snap general elections, Anwar said that coalition's leaders have conducted preliminary discussions last week and will hold another meeting soon sometime next week.
On the ongoing Tenang by-election campaign, Anwar said that he was "grateful" that the coalition's candidate Normala Sudirman (left), from PAS, was well received by voters from different ethnic groups.
"But (MCA president Dr) Chua Soi Lek and Umno leaders are making a big fuss about her not shaking hands with males.... Let it go. This does not affect how she works.
"To me, there are positive developments (for Pakatan's campaign in Tenang) and we will work hard (to ensure victory)," said Anwar.
Tenang folk will go to polls on Jan 30. The by-election was called following the demise of incumbent Sulaiman Taha.
