Continue probe into chopper deal, ACA told
Hafiz YatimPublished: Nov 4, 2008 6:13 PM | Updated: Nov 4, 2008 6:18 PM
PKR Youth today urged the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to continue with its probe into the suspended RM1.6 billion Eurocopter deal despite the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) clearing the government of any wrongdoing.
PKR Youth today urged the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) to continue with its probe into the suspended RM1.6 billion Eurocopter deal despite the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) clearing the government of any wrongdoing.
Contacted this afternoon, PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin accused PAC chairperson Azmi Khalid of ‘trying to protect’ incoming prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Describing PAC's findings as a disappointment, he said countries like India and Brazil could purchase 50 of the same helicopters for slightly more than RM1 billion while Malaysia intends to purchase 12 for RM1.6 billion.
However, the government had explained that the specifications on the helicopters were different and this resulted in the higher cost.
"PKR Youth truly regrets the action taken by Azmi (left) to close its (PAC) investigations in the alleged scandal without a concrete reason.
"We are also upset with PAC's comments that it is just 'not satisfied' that there are no physical examinations or test done," he said.
"In actuality, you must test any equipment in the purchase of assets to ensure its safety especially if it is to be used as a weapon or transport," he added.
'No procedural abuse'
Yesterday, Azmi told a press conference that PAC found no procedural abuse in the Eurocopter purchase but voiced its concern that there was no physical examination done.
Azmi said PAC also proposed the formation of an independent review panel to look into large purchases.
On Oct 24, Shamsul along with Sapki Yusof (PAS Youth) and Anthony Loke (DAP Youth) lodged a report with the ACA over the deal.
Last Saturday, ACA director-general Ahmad Said Hamdan said the agency had received documents and important information from PAC and the agency had opened its investigation papers.
Meanwhile, Shamsul said he regretted that PAC failed to call Najib, who was the defence minister when the deal was struck, to answer the allegations.
Azmi had also come under a blistering attack from DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, who said the PAC chairperson's statement had created consternation, disbelief and dismay of right thinking Malaysians and undermined public confidence in the parliament institution.
Contacted this afternoon, PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin accused PAC chairperson Azmi Khalid of ‘trying to protect’ incoming prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.Describing PAC's findings as a disappointment, he said countries like India and Brazil could purchase 50 of the same helicopters for slightly more than RM1 billion while Malaysia intends to purchase 12 for RM1.6 billion.
However, the government had explained that the specifications on the helicopters were different and this resulted in the higher cost.
"PKR Youth truly regrets the action taken by Azmi (left) to close its (PAC) investigations in the alleged scandal without a concrete reason."We are also upset with PAC's comments that it is just 'not satisfied' that there are no physical examinations or test done," he said.
"In actuality, you must test any equipment in the purchase of assets to ensure its safety especially if it is to be used as a weapon or transport," he added.
'No procedural abuse'
Yesterday, Azmi told a press conference that PAC found no procedural abuse in the Eurocopter purchase but voiced its concern that there was no physical examination done.
Azmi said PAC also proposed the formation of an independent review panel to look into large purchases. On Oct 24, Shamsul along with Sapki Yusof (PAS Youth) and Anthony Loke (DAP Youth) lodged a report with the ACA over the deal.
Last Saturday, ACA director-general Ahmad Said Hamdan said the agency had received documents and important information from PAC and the agency had opened its investigation papers.
Meanwhile, Shamsul said he regretted that PAC failed to call Najib, who was the defence minister when the deal was struck, to answer the allegations.
Azmi had also come under a blistering attack from DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, who said the PAC chairperson's statement had created consternation, disbelief and dismay of right thinking Malaysians and undermined public confidence in the parliament institution.
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