Malaysian Minister Fahmi Fadzil Responds to Opposition Accusations

Malaysian Minister Fahmi Fadzil Responds to Opposition Accusations

Opposition MP’s Allocation Issue

Malaysian Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil recently responded to criticism from the president of the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, concerning opposition MP allocations. Fahmi highlighted that the opposition needs to submit a proposal to the government for MP allocations. He pointed out that this process has been in place since May 8, but the opposition has yet to submit a proposal. The minister suggested that the Muda president should direct his queries regarding this matter to the Opposition Leader, not the government.

Reforms: Talk Only, No Action?

Syed Saddiq had also accused the unity government of being a “Nato” (no action, talk only) government, stating it had failed to deliver on several promised reforms. The issues raised included opposition allocations, cabinet members’ asset declarations, and the discontinuation of corruption cases. Fahmi Fadzil took the time to address each of these concerns in turn.

Transparency in Asset Declaration

Responding to the issue of asset declaration, Fahmi referred to a statement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in January. The Prime Minister had declared that several agencies were working together to make the asset declaration process more transparent. To illustrate this, Fahmi pointed out that the Prime Minister himself had declared his assets, worth over RM11 million, in October 2022.

Government’s Role in Legal Decisions

The Communications and Digital Minister also addressed the controversy surrounding the dropped court case against Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Fahmi clarified that the government does not interfere in legal decisions made by the Attorney General (AG). According to him, the AG has the discretion under Article 145 (3) of the Federal Constitution to decide on discharges amounting to acquittal or discharge not amounting to acquittal.

Anwar’s Commitment to Corruption Cases

Fahmi also took issue with Syed Saddiq’s accusations regarding Anwar’s commitment not to drop any corruption cases in court. He clarified that Anwar’s statement was made in the context of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman’s efforts in 2020, prior to the formation of the unity government following the 15th General Election.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Minister Fahmi Fadzil’s responses shed light on the processes and decision-making involved in the issues raised by Syed Saddiq. He urged Saddiq and others to approach the Opposition Leader for answers regarding opposition MP allocations. On asset declarations, he emphasized ongoing efforts to increase transparency. Regarding legal decisions, Fahmi reiterated the government’s non-interference and the AG’s constitutional discretion. Finally, he clarified the context of Anwar’s commitment to corruption cases, underscoring that it was made before the formation of the current unity government.