By Mat Zain bin Ibrahim
We all make mistakes. It’s only natural as human being, that we have our own weaknesses and that we get things wrong from time to time.
Prime Minister Dato Seri Mohd.Najib Tun Razak,like any other ordinary human being, naturally has weaknesses and do get many things wrong from time to time, albeit not ready to own-up to any of them.However, with due respect, I am of the opinion, that one of his greatest misjudgement was retaining Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail as the Attorney General.
PM Najib knew all along, well before he assume the Premiership, that the AG have been proven to be involved in some criminal wrongdoings. Despite being warned, that retaining the AG would be an added liability to himself and a big risk to his administration, he chose to let the AG not only to remain in office, but gave the latter wider space.
I know for certain, that the PM was fully advised on this matter. The possibility of the PM not being able to fathom the seriousness of the issue should not arise at all. The Premier’s own remarks on the roles of both Gani Patail and Musa Hassan, during our conversation in October 2008, convinced me that the PM have already been made aware of the background of the case, before our meeting. The follow-up report specially prepared for him, in February 2009, would have cleared any doubts the PM may have.
Anyone would have expected, that once the PM has been made aware, that the administration of justice, has been tainted with frauds and illegalities, especially when the perpetrator is the top most legal officer of the country,it is incumbent upon him, to act on the information, swiftly and decisively. Sadly, after more than three years since the matter was brought to his personal attention,the situation seems to be moving from bad to worse.
This is not about “Black-Eye” as the Cabinet tried to portray.This is not about who assaulted who. This is about cover-ups and abuse of our legal system. This is about those in power knowingly allowing the administration of justice to be filled to the brim with frauds, deceits and illegalities. This is about misleading the citizens and giving them false hopes. This is about whether the people in power are sincere and truthful to their words or otherwise.
I am referring to the article posted in Malaysian Insider dated 7th October 2011 entitled “Putrajaya stands by refusal to charge AG”. I choose not to split hairs with the Honourable Minister in Prime Minister’s Department who has given the Government’s lengthy reply over this issue on 14.12.2010. I have reasons to believe, the Minister himself has been misled.
For the benefit of all,the facts in issue are summarized below:
I must admit there are some pertinent points which I have not covered yet, but I sincerely hope the explanations given thus far, are simple and easy to comprehend. I hope for the moment, they are sufficient for the public to have a better understanding of the issues at hand.