Task force to probe forex losses set up according to 'rule of law' principle - Azalina

The Cabinet decision to set up a special task force to probe the forex losses suffered by Bank Negara in the 1990s shows that the government is open in all matters affecting national interest, said Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department said the government would continue to adhere to the principle of rule of law in investigating any matter to ensure there was no abuse and fraud in the governance of the country.

She also said that the government always adhered to the principle that a person was innocent until proven guilty.

"As such, the task force will examine and assess the matter based on evidence before deciding on any action," she said in a statement today.

Azalina said the establishment of the task force was the best opportunity for DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang to prove that there was basis in the motions on the matter he brought in the Dewan Rakyat in 1993 and 1994.

"He (Lim) should come forward to assist the task force scrutinise all the related facts," she said.

In announcing the setting up of the task force in a statement on Wednesday, the Prime Minister's Office said the task force would comprise representatives of various government agencies as well as highly respected individuals who were experts in certain fields.

It said the task force would make recommendations and suggestions as soon as possible for the consideration of the Cabinet for follow-up action to be taken, including setting up a Royal Commission of Inquiry, if necessary, based on the outcome of the probe. -- BERNAMA