On 9 March 2023, the 8th PM in a statement publicly said he had no power to approve any government projects during his tenure as prime minister, and the power was under the purview of the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The 8th PM said he has “never given instruction” to the MOF, or influenced the latter’s decision in relation with Jana Wibawa.
He also said when Syed Mokhtar, a “dear friend” of 30 years, appealed to him when he was the 8th PM, to review the termination of tax exemption for charity foundation Yayasan Albukhary which the 8th PM claimed was revoked by the Finance Minister then, he only reviewed the appeal and minuted it with 'If it is orderly, I have no objection' which was then send to MOF and the Inland Revenue Board who subsequently approved and reinstated the tax exemption.
Earlier, on 5 Dec 2022, the 10th PM said officials from the Finance Ministry have confirmed that there were serious breaches of procedure regarding the alleged RM600 billion misappropriation of government funds under the 8th PM. Charges have now been proferred against the 8th PM despite his protestations of deniability.
Every public statement he made to deny that he abused his position was on the basis that the matter, which the prosecution claimed he has abused in his capacity, was outside his authority as the 8th PM.
The 8th PM continuously insists that he has no authority to approve or instruct those matters he was alleged to have committed. The authority lies with the Ministry of Finance and the Minister of Finance.
He said his job is to execute the decision of the Cabinet, which required the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to forward the request for projects to be considered by MOF in accordance with the rules and regulations in place. Zafrul was the Finance Minister during the period where the alleged acts took place.
Based on the protestations by the 8th PM publicly, it is obvious that Zafrul will be called as the prosecution witness when the trial begins for the 8th PM. As it is now, the perception that is being presented to the gullible public is that those parties donated to the 8th PM’s political party are doing it on their own free will. Nothing was sought in exchange for the donations. All the approvals were agreed upon and approved by the Finance Minister i.e Zafrul. The Finance Minister acted alone when he agreed and approved the contracts and the resumption of the tax exemption to the Albukhary Foundation. The Finance Minister did not seek concurrence or prior consent and agreement from the 8th PM as he has the authority to agree and approve those matters which are all within his purview, scope and responsibilities as the Finance Minister.
And since the Finance Minister is not a member of the 8th PM’s political party, the actions taken by him has no bearing nor should it have any influence on those parties donating to the political party headed by the 8th PM.
Would this be the avenue and response of Zafrul when he is called to the stand as the witness for the prosecution?
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