Home Minister to meet IGP on alleged RM600bil expenditure

PUTRAJAYA: The newly appointed Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will hold talks with the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, on the alleged RM600bil in expenditures during the administration of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said he will also meet with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today regarding the matter.

“So far, it is unclear whether it falls under the police’s jurisdiction or that of other agencies,” he told reporters after clocking in for the first time at the ministry’s headquarters here yesterday.

Saifuddin said Anwar made a clear statement on the matter regarding the amount and those involved.

“However, it is also general in context as he said he would leave it to the investigative bodies to probe the matter,” he added.

On Monday, Anwar said he would leave it to the authorities to investigate the amount spent by Muhyiddin’s administration during the Covid-19 pandemic.

There have been calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate government spending during the pandemic.

Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional chairman, had said that he never embezzled or misused funds meant to help the people and that if he did, investigations would have started a long time ago.

On matters pertaining to his ministry, Saifuddin vowed to give priority to the issue of citizenship involving children born overseas to Malaysian mothers.

His ministry will look into the matter from every aspect, including the Constitution, existing laws, and the principles of humanity.

“It will surely be one of my main focuses.

“The matter will definitely need my consideration and decision. But for the time being, I can confirm it is on the ministry’s main agenda,” he added.

Saifuddin said all agencies under the ministry, especially the police force, will give its full commitment to preserving the safety and security of the rakyat.

“I had accompanied the Prime Minister in his meeting with the King. His Majesty has expressed his wish for political stability to be maintained and urged everyone to improve the economy and address issues facing the rakyat.

“I am confident that the Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), led by the Inspector-General of Police, will be able to fulfil its duty of ensuring public order and safety,” he said.

Saifuddin, who was given a briefing by the ministry’s top officials, said he was informed of the various challenges faced by the agencies under the ministry.

“It covers a wide range of issues, including border security,” he added.