Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has given the go-ahead to the Attorney-General's Chambers to prosecute three members of his cabinet and a state chief minister for corruption.

The four are part of 18 high-profile cases that have been sitting at the AG's Chambers for a number of years after investigations into them had been completed. Some of these cases are believed to go back to as far as 12 years ago.

Abdullah had earlier been accused by some of not having the courage to take action against some of his tainted ministers, all of whom have been appointed to the cabinet by Abdullah's predecessor, Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Malaysiakini has the name of the ministers and menteri besar concerned but cannot reveal them for legal reasons. The arrest warrants for the three ministers, two of them senior politicians, are expected to be served tomorrow while the one for the menteri besar later tonight.

"Abdullah has finally given the green light to throw the books at these politicians. He has to keep his promise of leading a clean government," said a highly-placed government source.

Soon after assuming the top post in November 2003, Abdullah had made combating corruption the battle cry of his administration.

According to the source, Abdullah has been contemplating action against the three ministers and the MB for a number of months.

"He would have preferred that the ministers and the MB step down from their government posts.

"But the prime minister was also mindful of his vow to clean up the cabinet and his administration," added the source.

'In the dark'

The dramatic move came despite Abdullah's son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin - who is Umno Youth deputy chief - saying that the government would 'let bygones be bygones'.

Khairy told the International Herald Tribune earlier this week that Abdullah had decided after the general elections last year not to dig up the past .

"We decided not to focus on retroactive actions but rather look forward," said the 29-year-old Umno's rising star.

It is believed that the premier had informed the ministers and the MB of his intentions to charge them in court. However, it is unclear whether Abdullah has informed the cabinet of his stunning decision.

The ministers and the MB are expected to be charged under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No 22 1970, which carries a maximum jail term of 14 years and a maximum fine of RM20,000 or both on conviction.

Abdullah has earlier used the same law against former land and cooperative development minister Kasitah Gaddam , whose corruption case will be continued to be heard in June.

When contacted, an aide to a minister who is on the blacklist, appeared to be in the dark over the latest development.

"My minister has not told me anything," said the aide.

Other ministers, or their aides, have all refused to comment.

NGO: Good sign

This surprising move by Abdullah is expected to be well-received locally and internationally as the premier is finally seen to be 'walking the talk'.

Meanwhile, the AG's Chambers, when contacted, refused to comment on the impending cases.

However, a leading criminal lawyer in the country has confirmed to malaysiakini that he has been retained by at least two 'high-profile personalities' to fight the charges.

A political analyst said the move by the government was a good sign, especially in attracting investors to the country.

"If this is true, then I think the Malaysian government is on the right track," said Ralf Opilo from the Societal Hegemony and Advancement Movement think tank.

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