Gerakan calls for RCI into 1MDB

KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan supports the Pakatan Harapan government's renewed investigations into the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal and is proposing the formation of a Royal Commission Inquiry (RCI) into the matter.

Outgoing party president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong said the party supported the probes being carried out by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Auditor-General.

"We cannot deny that 1MDB was one of the factors that caused the downfall of Barisan Nasional. Therefore, Gerakan supports the PAC and Auditor-General in opening fresh investigations into 1MDB.

"The truth must prevail and the rule of law take its course.

"An RCI on 1MDB must be formed so that the rakyat will know the facts and truth, which will help us reform the governance of these bodies and to ensure there is effective check and balance.

"Let the truth and facts emerge instead of being based on political narratives," said Mah in his policy address at the Gerakan National Delegates Conference 2018 here on Saturday (Nov 17).

Mah said Gerakan, now independent and no longer aligned with Barisan, would monitor the performance of the Pakatan government and provide constructive criticism.

"If things are bad, we criticise. But if it is good, we should support.

"On 1MDB, we have to support investigations into this," said Mah.

Mah is set to be replaced as president by either Datuk Dominic Lau or Andy Yong, the two contenders for the post.

Mah was elected as party president in October 2013.

In his policy speech, Mah proposed that the party's election employ a "direct voting" system, which would give all 300,000 members the power to vote.

At present, the Gerakan polls use a delegates system, which allows only 1,000-plus members to vote.

A change in the system, Said Mah, would give party members more say in party matters.

The outgoing president also proposed that a division chairman's tenure be limited to three terms or nine years.

Some 1,500 delegates nationwide will be voting at the party polls next Saturday (Nov 24).