Tun Ling Liong Sick ARRESTED !!!

[kensington]

Ling Liong Sik arrested, Pakatan fears brokered-deal


Wong Choon Mei
Malaysia Chronicle

FINAL UPDATE Former MCA president and ex-Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik was arrested and charged at the Putrajaya Sessions Court for involvement in RM12.5 billion ringgit Port Klang Free Zone debacle.

However, opposition leaders and pundits expect a brokered deal aimed at helping Prime Minister Najib Razak save some 'face' after a recent bashing from the public over his lackluster performance since coming to power in April 2009.

They say the move would also bolster confidence in the new MCA leadership under scandal-plagued Chua Soi Lek. Just a day ago, Soi Lek had drawn fire from the public for supporting a move by current Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha in paying RM222.58 million to a unit of Kuala Dimensi, the PKFZ turnkey contractor with alleged links to the Umno elite.

This despite warnings from a slew of financial experts including external auditors and Transparency International that if the bond repayment was made now, before the conclusion of a RM1.4 billion lawsuit, taxpayers may never see their money again.

"We hope it is not for show. We still remember Kasitah Gaddam and Eric Chia ," PKR strategic director Tian Chua told Malaysia Chronicle.

"It looks very suspicious. Of particular note is the fact that the Najib administration and the MCA new leadership chose to make the bond payment to Kuala Dimesi on Wednesday."

Taking a leaf from Badawi

Tian was referring to the same strategy Najib's predecessor Abdullah Badawi had adopted when he took over from Mahathir Mohamad in 2003, pledging reforms and to rid the country of endemic corruption.

But under Abdullah, who had a nickname as 'Mr Clean', corruption rampaged on and his own son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin ended up being accused as one of the biggest abusers of power during his reign.

In February 2004, Land and Co-operative Development Minister Kasitah Gaddam was charged in the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur for cheating and corruption. Just days before his arrest, fallen tycoon Eric Chia, the former managing director of Perwaja Steel and a well-known crony of Mahathir, was also arrested for criminal breach of trust involving RM76.4 million.

But despite the brouhaha, Eric was acquitted in June 2007 and Kasitah was acquitted in August 2009.

"It appears Najib is trying to borrow a leaf from Badawi. But it didn't work because people knew it was fake and that's why they voted Pakatan Rakyat to power in 2008," Tian shot out.

"Now, Najib must be really desperate especially with elections looming. He can't seem to do anything right at all. Even his so-called ideas are borrowed, and of all people, from Abdullah Badawi."

Najib's sudden leave, powerful hands at play

The PKFZ is the Malaysian government's biggest port investment. It is also the biggest flop in a long list of failed or ailing government-projects that have been slammed by anti-corruption activists through the years.

It began in the early 2000s at an original budget of RM1.8 billion, but has ballooned multiple folds due to glaring mismanagement and alleged graft. Its auditor has warned that if its debt is not revamped, interest charges alone could boost the final bill to RM12.5billion.

An investigation into the financial debacle has shown the massive cost overruns were likely to be the result of high-level corruption. PKA blames Kuala Dimensi for the problems at PKFZ and is suing it for RM1.4 biliion. Kuala Dimensi is controlled by Bintulu MP Tiong King Sing, whom many in the political circles regard as being a "money bag" for Umno.

All eyes are now on who is next. Will there be a dragnet? Pundits point to the sudden leave Najib took effective on Wednesday, forcing several events to be postponed. He will be on leave until August 10.

"It shows the hand of very powerful vested interests at play. Definitely, they are trying to cover up and mitigate the public condemnation of yesterday's bond payment by going after the old clique like Ling. How serious do you think they are in jailing him? Will it even happen? " said Tian.

Old clique

The 67-year old Ling is one of the most prominent politicians to be nabbed in recent years.

He was charged under Section 418 of the Penal Code for misleading the Cabinet between Sept 25 and Nov 6, 2002, into agreeing to buy 999.5 acres of land on Pulau Indah for the PKFZ project at a price of RM25psf on a deferred payment method for a 15-year period, at a 7.5 interest rate.

However, what the charge sheets said he did not tell the Cabinet was that the Finance Ministry had already valued the land at RM25psf inclusive of compounded interest, which would make a whopping difference of RM720 million.

Ling pleaded not guilty to the charges and Sessions Court Judge Suzana Hussin has set bail at RM1 million, which he promised to pay by Friday. He was released on a personal bond and mention date has been fixed for Sept 3.


http://www.malaysia-today.net/index...rged-&catid=19:newscommentaries&Itemid=100131
http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/2010/07/ling-liong-sik-arrested-pakatan-fears.html

 

[Cestbon]

When is our PAP ministers will be arrested for corruption?
At least Matland now are more transparancy about freedom and justice.
Maybe Singapore Opposition should work harder to gain 35% parliment seat.

 

[kensington]

Go To : http://www.sammyboy.com/showthread.php?t=33717

http://www.malaysia-today.net/index...nslation&catid=71:archives-2009&Itemid=100106

Chinese translation :http://ccliew.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-post_1664.html

 

[kensington]

When is our PAP ministers will be arrested for corruption?
At least Matland now are more transparancy about freedom and justice.
Maybe Singapore Opposition should work harder to gain 35% parliment seat.

In due time, bro. No matter how great they are, they're bound to hit the ground someday...

Like the Malay's adage, "Sepandai-pandai tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh ke tanah juga"


Some will drop like coconuts.

 

[uncleyap]

BRAVO!

Malaysia Boleh!

High time for these MCA BN rotten woods to be hacked properly.

You can not nail rotten woods, you can only hack them! Nails are for more solid woods, these are so rotten and fragile and hollow already, you either burn them or hack them..

 

[kensington]

BRAVO!

Malaysia Boleh!

High time for these MCA BN rotten woods to be hacked properly.

You can not nail rotten woods, you can only hack them! Nails are for more solid woods, these are so rotten and fragile and hollow already, you either burn them or hack them..

Too early to celebrate lah uncleyap.

This just might be another wayang. GE 13 must be around the corner and Najib conveniently excused himself overseas.
If they get Tun Apanama and Semi Value together, the most expensive Three Stooges could be formed. Until then, banbantan lah...

This could take more than 52 manyears, so to speak. Hahahah....

 

[uncleyap]

Too early to celebrate lah uncleyap.

This just might be another wayang. GE 13 must be around the corner and Najib conveniently excused himself overseas.
If they get Tun Apanama and Semi Value together, the most expensive Three Stooges could be formed. Until then, banbantan lah...

This could take more than 52 manyears, so to speak. Hahahah....

Better then all the decades past lah! then these bastards had never failed to get away CLEAN! What a piss...:(

Malaysian ancestors got eyes I want to witness MIC bloody Smelly Vellu got in prison also - that foul piece of shit! Can not even hack. MUST BURN! Even burn also emits fouls smell! Filthy Corrupt Bastards!

 

[kensington]

This is just a minor list...

1) PKFZ White Elephant RM 12.7 Billions
2) RM 7.6 Billions Scorpene tin cans that float
3) RM 540 Millions halal commission on Scorpene
4) RM 810 Millions palace balloning to some RM1.2 Billions
5) Maltrade II land grab by Naza, costing taxpayers some RM 2.2 Billions
6) Limbang off shore blocks L and M giveaway to Brunei of RM 320 Billions
7) Maminco...cornering the tin market cost RM 2.2 Billions
8] Bank Negara Forex fiasco costing RM20 Billions
9) Perwaja Steel RM 8 Billions
10) Naval support ships to cost RM 2.5 Billions so we can do humanitarians service to Indo or Philipine as if earthquakes or Volcano erupts every months
11) 60,000+ vehicles APs worth RM 2.4 Billions given to only 4 umNOputras
12) RM 810 Millions New Parliament...Westminster & White House still standing even after 100s of years
13) BMF scandal RM 4 Billions...Carrian group...BMF manager was murdered
14) RM6.75 billion,YES BILLIONS for PSC bhd for locally made naval vessels which were never delivered
15) RM12.5 billion for economically senseless double tracking railway from Ipoh to the Thai border. Cheongsters Special
16) Altantuya, pick up a stone while walking in KL which turn out 2 be C4
17) Teoh Beng Hock, room too hot,open window n accidentally fell out !
18] A.Kugan, suspected car thief. Died in custody
19) Amirulrashyid, 14 year-old boy shot dead by police
20) Nasir"The Racist" Safar's " chinese prostitute & Indian beggars,"
21) Khir Toyol RM 24 Million Palace
22) missing jet engines...wat a joke.
23) Bala 's flip flop, ongoing
24) Perak coup d'tat unlawful grab. Name changed to State of Berak (Pangsai)
25) Sodomy I & II
26) MAS shares - Govt bought at $8 ringgit when market price was $3.5 ringgit
27) School claasrooms & computer labs - RM 1.8 billion, direct nego. How much did the Government actually get?
28] Halal Hub - RM 2 billion spent, nothing done, only RM200 million left
29) Armoured carriers - RM8 billion going to be spent. By industry standards, a good armoured car will only cost half a million. Mindef will spend RM 30 million for each armoured carrier!
30) Mahathir's words " what did the RM320 Billions of Petroluem income( read the Rakyat )money during the reign of Abdullah Badawi gone to ? Thin air or cronies swiss account ?

many more to list...

 

[kensington]

Better then all the decades past lah! then these bastards had never failed to get away CLEAN! What a piss...:(

Malaysian ancestors got eyes I want to witness MIC bloody Smelly Vellu got in prison also - that foul piece of shit! Can not even hack. MUST BURN! Even burn also emits fouls smell! Filthy Corrupt Bastards!

Let's see how far justice will prevail....

 

[KNNBCCB]

MALAYSIA BOLEH !

 

[Teo Kok Eng]

How come our Singapore Police so coward dare not arrest PAP ministers for stealing millions of tax payers dollars in the guise of salaries?

 

[Semaj2357]

Let's see how far justice will prevail....:QUOTE]
Don't forget ex wanita umno biatch - rafidah!

 

[palden]

Corruption is legal in Sinkapore la. CPIB stands for Corrupted PAP Is Best!

 

[kensington]

Corruption is legal in Sinkapore la. CPIB stands for Corrupted PAP Is Best!

Those mofos involved should be made to wear concrete shoes and swim with the fishes.

Even death by a thousand cuts will be lenient to those CCB.

If any of us have any chance, please bump them off as a service to mankind and humanity.

Their crime against us are unatoneable, so don't be fooled.

Just have to make them realised that they're worth nothing to us, except that they stole from us and now we are braying for their blood.



================


UMNO and PAP are Siamese twins. Kill one of them, the other will die like the night follows the day. Now, the ruling Umno is clutching at straws, the Singkapolang should have the honour of finishing off this perfidious montrosity and put it out of its misery. FUCK YOU UMNO !!! FUCK YOU PAP !!!

 

[kensington]

A seachange is coming over Singapoor. The MM is half in the coffin and the son is a dedicated fool, the weather is in disagreement, the YOG is a farce and what the fucks are the 33% waiting for ?

Wait for them to recoup and shove it up yours, again ang again and again ?

 

[kensington]

Will Dr M and his 2002 crew take the stand?

KUALA LUMPUR: DAP's veteran leader Lim Kit Siang asked if former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad or any of his ministers from the 2002 Cabinet would testify in court when it hears the case against former transport minister and MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik?

Ling was accused of misleading the government into approving Port Klang Authority's purchase of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) land with a 15-year repayment with compound interest instead of 10 years.

"Who were the ministers in the 2002 Cabinet. The deputy prime minister was Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Other ministers who are still ministers include Najib Tun Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin, Hishammuddin Hussein, Nazri Abdul Aziz, Rais Yatim and Bernard Dompok.

"Other ministers who are no longer in the Cabinet include Rafidah Aziz, Azmi Khalid; three MCA ministers at the time -- Chua Jui Meng, Fong Chan Onn, and Ong Ka Ting -- Lim Keng Yaik, S Samy Vellu and Law Hieng Ding," Lim said in a statement.

Still waiting for A-G to act

The Ipoh Timor MP noted that as far back as three years ago in Parliament, during the budget debate, he had focused on the main issues of the PKFZ scandal:

1. PKA's purchase of 1,000 acres of Pulau Indah land from Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd for PKFZ at RM25 psf when the Treasury and Attorney-General’s Chambers proposed acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act at RM10psf.

2. The ballooning of the PKFZ cost from RM1.1 billion to RM4.6 billion and its development costs from RM400 million to RM2.8 billion.

3. The four illegal "letters of support" by then transport ministers Ling and (former MCA deputy president) Chan Kong Choy for the RM4.6 billion bonds issued by KDSB through special purpose vehicles.

"These issues have not been adequately dealt with despite the promise by Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail last December and the country is still waiting for him to fulfil his pledge to leave no stone unturned to haul in the 'big fish' implicated in the PKFZ scandal," said Lim.

Yesterday, Ling was charged at the Sessions Court under Sections 417 and 418 of the Penal Code with cheating and could face a jail term if found guilty.

The 67-year-old medical doctor-turned-politician, who was bestowed with a Tun -- the highest honorific title in the country -- after his retirement in 2003, had pleaded not guilty.

The case, dubbed as the most high-profile corruption case in Malaysian history, would be mentioned in September.

Ling, a long-time minister and MCA's sixth president, was known to be close to Mahathir during his tenure in government.

The charge against Ling reads:

“That you, between Sept 25 and Nov 6, 2002, at Level 4 of the Prime Minister’s Office in Bangunan Perdana Putra, cheated the Government by deceiving the Cabinet into approving a land purchase in Pulau Indah for a Mega Distribution Hub project in Port Klang according to the terms agreed between Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd and Port Klang Authority which, among others, are:

1. The size of the land being 999.5 acres or 43,538,200 sq ft

2. The purchase price for the land being RM25 per sq ft amounting to a total of RM1,088,456,000

3. The repayment period being based on a “deferred payment” of 15 years with an interest rate of 7.5% per annum (total RM720,014,600), and thereby dishonestly hiding the fact that the valuation by the Valuation and Property Service Department on the land was RM25 per sq ft for a repayment period of 10 years or RM25.82 per sq ft for a repayment period of 15 years, including coupon/interest that could be charged for the repayment period.

And as such, you purposely induced the Cabinet to give its consent to the purchase, whereas the Cabinet would not have given its consent if the fact had been told to the Cabinet, and the fraud was committed with the knowledge that you could cause a loss to the Government, where you have an interest in the transaction pertaining to the fraud and you are bound under the law to protect it and, as such, you have committed an offence punishable under Section 418 of the Penal Code.”


http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fm...89-will-dr-m-and-his-2002-crew-take-the-stand
http://www.malaysia-today.net/index...tand-&catid=19:newscommentaries&Itemid=100131

 

[kensington]

'Is there no honour among thieving friends?'


By Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz

COMMENT Former Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik was charged in court yesterday. It sent shocks through the MCA. MCA must now feel betrayed.

After all Ling was one of us - us being one of more important leaders of the Barisan Nsional in those halcyon days.

Indeed, Ling was PM of Malaysia for a few hours when Dr Mahathir Mohamad was partyless for the “few hours” when old Umno was deregistered and a new Umno was being formed.

What if Ling had at the time said “go and fly kite. Saya PM sekarang. You orang keluar BN”?

So, personally for Ling – this must feel like a betrayal. He must be feeling most betrayed.

There was one piece of news however that attracted my attention. It was s statement in his charge sheet.

According to the charge sheet, the Finance Ministry had already valued the land at RM25psf - inclusive of compounded interest - and this fact was withheld from the Cabinet by the accused.

(NB: Ling was charged under Section 418 of the Penal Code with misleading the Cabinet between Sept 25 and Nov 6, 2002, into agreeing to purchase 999.5 acres of land on Pulau Indah for a project, now known as PKFZ, at a price of RM25psf on a deferred payment basis for a 15-year period, at a 7.5 percent interest rate. The cumulative interest paid would total RM720 million at the end of the repayment period. He was also offered an alternative charge, under Section 417 of the Penal Code, for the same offence.)

Expect to be stabbed

I am not sure how a Cabinet meeting is conducted. Usually in an exco meeting for example, all papers would be prepared by the secretary to that meeting.

For a Dewan Undangan Negeri (state assembly), the papers are prepared by the MMK secretary, who is the secretary to the exco, usually a state administrative officer.

I am thinking, the principle must be the same- files and papers prepared by the Cabinet secretary.

That being the case, a copy of the file note containing the valuation price of the land must be in all the files.

Unless, the file for the PKFZ topic for that day was prepared by Ling alone and that the only information for decision that fateful day, came from Ling alone. That would be highly unusual.

Unusual because at all material time, the Finance Minister at that time, had in his possession all information about the land to be bought by PKFZ.

He would make this information available to all Cabinet members at that meeting. Or in preceding meetings.

The Finance Minister would have spotted the blatant discrepancy unless he went along with Ling. Other alert members would have spotted it too.

All Cabinet members liable too?

All Cabinet members present at that meeting at that time would now have to discover that particular document provided by whoever it was at that time, from his/her own personal files, and produce them in court. So all you SUSK (private secretaries) prepare to look for the file of that meeting for your minister.

This means everyone at that meeting on the day Ling presented his notes would have to appear before court to testify. Now everyone will stab Ling.

If the only paper informing the value of the land came from Ling, then everyone was deceived.

Or did everyone agree in unison with the facts presented by Ling. It would be interesting also to know, whether the Finance Minister then, who had the real information, went along with Ling. Or did he object?

If the entire Cabinet agreed with Ling despite having the real facts, then the entire Cabinet is vicariously liable. Ling is now feeling, most betrayed. Is there is no honour among thieving friends?

(Note: Ling is the second MCA president to be charged. The first was Tan Koon Swan)

Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz is a former state assemblyman for Pulau Manis in Pekan, Pahang. He was an elected representative from 2004-2008. His comments was first posted on his blog Sakmongkol AK47.


http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fm...581-is-there-no-honour-among-thieving-friends

 

[kensington]

Touching 'untouchable' Tun reveals MCA's irrelevance


By Stephanie Sta Maria

KUALA LUMPUR: In the not too distant past, Tuns and MCA presidents were considered untouchable by the long arms of the law.

But this changed yesterday, and with it, said former MCA vice-president Chua Jui Ming, the death knell has been sounded for the second-largest party in Barisan Nasional.

Chua, who is now with PKR, was commenting on the decision to charge former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik, who bears the highest honofiric title in the country.

He was charged in the Sessions Court under Sections 417 and 418 of the Penal Code in connection with the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal, and could land in jail if convicted.

The incident sent shockwaves down many a powerful spine, and Chua said it was “blindingly clear” that the Chinese party had outlived its purpose for Umno.

“The Tuns and MCA presidents have always been untouchable with the exception of (former MCA president) Tan Koon Swan,” he told FMT.

“Ling's case is a sign that Umno has lost its faith in MCA to pull in the votes for BN in the next general election,” he said.

“The floodgates are now open for other MCA leaders to be hauled up. Umno must have thought twice about such a move if MCA was still relevant. MCA now needs to wake up to the realities of politics and plan a course of action that is consequential upon the current scenario,” he added.

'Haul up all who are involved'

The Johor PKR chief also reiterated the call for all those embroiled in the PKFZ imbroglio to be brought to court, including the officers in the ministries of transport and finance.

Earlier today, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and PKR treasurer William Leong demanded that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Attorney-General pursue other high-profile figures involved.

DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang had asked if former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was known to be close to Ling, and his ministers from the 2002 Cabinet would testify in the hearing.

Meanwhile, Chua said Ling could not have single-handedly misled the Cabinet into approving Port Klang Authority's purchase of the PKFZ land with 15-year repayment with compound interest instead of 10 years.

“How could he hide this information from the prime minister – who is also the finance minister - when the valuation falls under the Finance Ministry?”

“It's not fair to only pounce on Ling. There are a host of others that must also be made accountable,” he added.

The PKR leader also speculated that Ling's case could be an attempt to divert the public's attention from Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial.

“We have seen this kind of show before in the Eric Chia case. He was used as a distraction from the Perwaja Steel fiasco and he suffered for so many years as a result,” he said.

“My wish for Ling is that he be tried justly and that he not suffer the same fate as Anwar. He said yesterday that he is in a palace of justice and can depend on justice. I hope he's right,” he added.


http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fm...hing-untouchable-tun-reveals-mcas-irrelevance

 

[kensington]

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The arrest and charging of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik with cheating has only whetted appetites, and the clamour to go after all those linked to the disastrous Port Klang Free Zone (PKKZ) will only grow as the trial proceeds.

PKR treasurer William Leong said today that all those who were involved in the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal must be charged by the Attorney-General (AG).

The Selayang MP said that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and A-G must not stop at Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik but must rope in other notable persons.

“In order for public confidence in the government institutions to be restored, all the other persons involved in the PKFZ scandal must be charged without delay and the prosecution must conduct the trial in a professional and diligent manner.

“I call on the Attorney General to take the necessary action to bring a proper closure to this PKFZ scandal that may cause the Malaysian taxpayers RM12.5 billion,” he said in a press statement.

Yesterday Dr Ling Liong Sik was charged with cheating here today over the scandal hit Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project.

The charges concern land evaluations under the penal code with the principle charge under section 418 with the alternative charge being 417.

Punishment for offences under section 417 carries a jail term of not more than 5 years and not more than 7 years under section 418.

According to the penal code, section 418 concerns “Cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss may be thereby caused to a person whose interest the offender is bound to protect” while section 417 concerns “Punishment for cheating.”

Leong said that the A-G must no longer delay and prosecute irrespective of office and position.

“All persons irrespective of the office and position who are involved must be charged and tried for their offences in abusing their office and the trust placed by the people on them or for cheating the Government. Those who have abetted, assisted or have received the benefits of these crimes must also be charged, tried and convicted.

“The police, MACC and the Attorney General must not delay further in charging all the others. Failure to do so will raise the issue that the authorities practise selected prosecution,” he said.

Leong added that the Dr Ling’s trial will determine the government’s political will to fight corruption.

“It has taken nearly 3 years for the police and the Attorney General to charge the former Transport Minister and Ex-MCA President for cheating the Government into buying the PKFZ land at a substantial over value. The Sun had revealed the scandal in August 2007 and it is only on 29 July 2010 that the former minister has been charged.

“The reasons given by the authorities for the delay have not been convincing. The delay has given rise to suspicions by the people as to the political will of the Government to tackle corruption especially by those holding high positions of power and influence,” he said.

http://www.malaysia-today.net/index...-them&catid=19:newscommentaries&Itemid=100131

 

[kensington]

Liong Sik- PKFZ:
A huge gamble for Najib, all trails lead to Dr M



Wong Choon Mei
Malaysia Chronicle

There is no getting away from it. However you look at the Port Klang Free Zone debacle, all trails go back to former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was also the finance minister.

A day after his shock arrest, the charges preferred against Ling Liong Sik, the former Transport Minister who had helped push through the huge project, seem to be deliberately crafted so that his lawyers can have them overturned with ease.

The 67-year old was charged under Section 418 of the Penal Code for misleading the Cabinet between Sept 25 and Nov 6, 2002, into agreeing to buy 999.5 acres of land on Pulau Indah at a price of RM25psf on a deferred payment method for a 15-year period, at a 7.5 percent interest rate.

The charge sheet went on to say the Finance Ministry had already valued the land at RM25psf - inclusive of compounded interest - and this fact was withheld from the Cabinet by the accused. The difference comes up RM720 million. Ling was therefore charged for cheating.

The PAC factor

Yet at last year’s high-profile inquiry conducted by the Public Accounts Committee, former secretary-general of the Transport Ministry Zaharah Shaari went on record to say that the land acquisition was done with the full knowledge of the Cabinet.

How can this be? Firstly, the PAC study showed the government would have spent RM442.13 million and saved RM645.87 million if the land for PKFZ was acquired in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act 1960.

Secondly, according to Zaharah, Ling knew about this and agreed with the Treasurer-General to buy the land in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act 1960.

Thirdly, the matter was then referred back to the Cabinet and Ling briefed Mahathir about it. Mahathir, who ruled Malaysia with a fist of iron for 22 years, has kept a conspicuous silence on Ling's arrest.

Ultimately, Ling's case will hinge on who is telling the truth and Zaharah's PAC testimony already casts enough reasonable doubt to have the case thrown out.

“Our job in Ministry of Transport is to only state the fact that we want the land. Costings, valuations and all that, it is not the function of the Ministry of Transport. We do not have a Valuation Department," was Ling's own testimony to PAC.

“Costings and valuations is a question for the Treasury to deal with. They have the Valuation Department and everything is there, not in Ministry of Transport. I think [it was] Tun Dr Mahathir who chaired it, and he was the finance minister also. He saw it very clearly. That was the fact of the case.”

The Untouchables

But does that mean Ling was totally uninvolved in any PKFZ impropriety?

Does it also mean that if Ling passes the buck back to Mahathir, the Najib administration will seize on the opportunity to turn on the former premier. Highly unlikely. In fact, more likely than not, they will say there is not enough evidence.

Then what is this whole episode about? Why did the Najib administration go after Ling then? Why entangle themselves in such a dubious mess? What is the benefit to them? Already, the Pakatan Rakyat leaders are smelling blood and the public has begun blasting Najib for putting on another ‘show’.

Yet according to an Umno watcher, Ling is just the start of an aggressive move to weed out corruption. It marks a new beginning and also the ending of a 5-decades old culture of corruption, he added.

“It is the same question over and over. Where do we draw the line? Does it make you feel good to see Ling, who is 67, and Mahathir, who is 85, go to jail? Rafidah is already 71, Chan Kong Choy has a chronic illness. What do we do?” the Umno watcher asked Malaysia Chronicle.

“If we don’t do anything, Pakatan kills us at the ballot boxes. We are also sending the wrong message to our own people at a time when we really need to break this culture of corruption. The top leaders have agreed - once there is enough evidence, the MACC will act. Even the AG will not be spared if there is proof."

Reduce discretionary powers, pass better laws

But who will watch over the top guns? Apparently, they have also agreed to stop and no one will be exempt anymore, or so the Umno watcher said.

But surely, there are better solutions, solutions that are less arbitrary, less subjective and less dependent on the whim of one man and his advisers.

If Najib wants Malaysians to buy into his anti-corruption blitz, then firstly, he must voluntarily reduce his own discretionary powers and let the letter of the law play the dominant role.

Secondly, whether or not the people will still pay any attention to him will hinge on who he next arrests.

If he wants to spare people like Mahathir, Badawi, and Rafidah, then he had better make sure he compensates by really hunting down all the other Umno leaders who have been indulging. Not just those in MCA or other BN components, and not just Pakatan leaders either. In Malaysia's power equation, these are just small fry who can be easily bullied.

The clock is ticking down on Najib. If this turns out to be another charade, then he would really be slamming the door on himself.

http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/2010/07/blog-post_4013.html