Wan Azizah gets aggressive, challenges PM

sun2surf - 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. more...