Report alleged bribes and threats, says Saifuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: Lodge reports if there are any elements of enticement, bribes and threats following Opposition MPs supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says the Home Ministry.

Datuk Seri Saifuddin Ismail Nasution Ismail said the enforcement agencies will act on these reports.

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“We encourage (anyone) to lodge any reports. Even if one has the information (of the crime) but does not report it to the authorities, that is a crime.

“And when lodging reports, provide proof as well,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Saifuddin said as of yesterday morning, both the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission had received no complaints regarding the Opposition MPs’ move to support Anwar.

“There was no complaint filed to the police or even the MACC regarding the alleged elements of enticement, bribes and threats following Opposition MPs supporting Tambun (Anwar),” Saifuddin said in response to a query by Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat).

Onn had asked the Home Ministry to state the number of police reports made following the alleged elements of enticement, bribes and threats received due to the support made by some lawmakers to Anwar.

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Saifuddin also said the authorities will not tolerate acts against the law, and an investigation will be carried out if any report is made.

“However, if the alleged elements do not exist, it could slander the government.

“Therefore, I’d like to remind that the enforcement agencies will take professional action to deal with any possibility,” he said, responding to Onn’s supplementary question.

However, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) dismissed Saifuddin’s answer, claiming that Bersatu’s youth wing had filed a report at midnight yesterday.

“I’d like to correct the minister. Armada filed a police report at midnight yesterday.

“Was this (allegation) just a rumour or slander? No.

“A report to the MACC will also be filed,” he said.

Saifuddin, in response, said that will not be an issue and the authorities are ready to act on any reports if the alleged elements exist.

“I would like to congratulate Machang and Armada for working until late at night,” Saifuddin quipped.

“The fact that the police accepted the report shows that the enforcement is professional.”

On Nov 8, Jeli MP Zahari Kechik became the fourth Bersatu MP to declare his support for Anwar, following Gua Musang MP Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid and Labuan MP Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman.