Anwar wants probe on Najib

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for investigations into the alleged abuse of power by Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The deputy prime minister is facing renewed links to the murder of Mongolian beauty Altantuya Shaariibuu.

Malaysia Today carried a report detailing what it alleged was an exchange of text messages between Najib and Datuk Shafee Abdullah, the prominent lawyer who represented Abdul Razak Baginda, the close associate of Najib who was eventually charged with abetting two police officers in the murder of Altantuya in 2006.

In one SMS, Najib allegedly tells the lawyer that Razak — his advisor — “will face a tentative charge but all is not lost”.

Malaysia Today said this message raises some questions about Najib’s role in the case. “Why did he mention ‘tentative’ charge and that ‘all is not lost’ for RB (Razak Baginda)? How would Najib know this before Razak was charged? These are important questions which will have ramifications, not just on this case but far beyond,” a posting on the website said.

Anwar and the opposition have tried to link Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor with the murder since it happened in October 2006.

“Any allegation, particularly pertaining to those in positions of power, must be investigated,” Anwar told reporters in Parliament today.

“Our problem is that allegations against Najib, from the murder to the Scorpene submarine and Eurocopter deals and to these SMSes, have not resulted in any investigations or reports,” he pointed out, referring to allegations of graft in Defence Ministry contracts when Najib was its minister.

The de facto PKR leader said this “shielding” of Najib would affect the credibility of the government.

“How do you accept a leader who is not even prepared to explain? Of course you can go to the mosque and swear on the Quran but that does not solve a serious allegation,” he said in reference to Najib’s oath that he did not know Altantuya personally.

He added that he was not suggesting that Najib was involved but it should be investigated instead of just brushing the matter off.

Shannon Teoh
The Malaysian Insider
14/10/08