KUALA LUMPUR (May 5, 2008):
Opposition Leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PKR-Permatang Pauh) challenged the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to set up an independent commission to probe the multi-billion ringgit purchases by the Defence Ministry.She said the government’s integrity was severely affected when government leaders consented to corruption and wastage, practiced nepotism by distributing contracts and shares to family members and cronyism by enriching only a small group of society.
She quoted the purchase of military equipment or specifically the Scorpene submarine worth RM4.5 billion and the Sukhoi jet worth RM3.2 billion whereby massive amounts of commission were paid.
"The people’s perception is that these may not be commissions but bribes between the leaders and individuals who received the commissions,” she added.
Earlier, Wan Azizah said in the international scene, Malaysia being a member of Asean, Apec, Commonwealth, OIC and United Nations must not be isolated in its stand of what is happening around the world.
She said Malaysia must be firm and clear in defending the country’s sovereignty and act in line with the demands of universal fairness and values.
"In this context, we must not be apologetic, keep mum or distance ourselves from contributing towards or playing a role in the international arena and forum to strictly defend our stand accordingly.
"Malaysia was once given the mandate to represent Islamic countries as the OIC chairman but people were let down because Malaysia did not take effective action to protect the fate of Islamic countries and Muslims around the world.
"Malaysia was seen as weak and pathetic in handling the conflicts faced by Islamic countries," she added.
On judiciary, she said the decline in foreign direct investments and refusal of multinational companies to sign agreements which provides for any arguments to be referred to the Malaysian laws, is because of their doubt and bitter experience when dealing with the country’s justice system.
“The latest cases have clearly shown that the executive power is stepping on the country’s judicial system.The chief justice himself admitted to this negative perception.This was an open acknowledgement that the system is biased, corrupt and could be arranged.
“All of us from the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) believe this is not a matter of perception but something which is clear and proven,” she said, adding the exposure made so far such as in the case of Datuk V.K Lingam is only the tip of the iceberg.
The usually quiet Wan Azizah, the country's first woamn Opposition Leader in Parliament, displayed an unusual show of aggression when debating the motion of thanks on the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) today.
She rapped Datuk Ismail Abd. Muttalib (BN-Maran) for asking whether she intends to migrate overseas as she had a lot of bad things to say about the country.
Ismail said he was disappointed with Wan Azizah because she was not showing any appreciation towards the country and the government.
“What’s wrong in saying a little bit of thank you?” he asked.
Wan Azizah stressed that she had already said earlier there are some good points about the country.
"Are you not listening? I have already said there are certain goodness. I admit it. But as I’ve said just now, we do not want selective allegations. Is this what you want? All these while we have been attacked by those on the other side (government MPs). You (Maran MP) are only here for your first time.
“Is this the way we take criticisms? Just because we can’t stand it, we have to leave? Are these ears too thin that we cannot take criticisms? In fact, we are saying all these for the sake of our beloved country,” she retorted.
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