DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang said former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam is an ideal candidate as caretaker Prime Minister -- should Datuk Seri Najib Razak goes on leave -- pending investigations on the large funds allegedly transferred into his personal accounts.
Lim believed Musa would fit in the role as caretaker under the condition that he must first be elected into Parliament first in accordance to the Malaysian Constitution that stipulates a PM must be a member of Dewan Rakyat.
"I think Musa would be if an agreement could be reached for him to be elected to Parliament in an early by-election. Otherwise, other candidates including Gua Musang MP and UMNO veteran, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah or someone from Sabah or Sarawak should be considered," said Lim, in a statement after delivering a speech, last night.
He said with the formation of a Cabinet caretaker, Najib and all the elected Ministers, including DPM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would have to be disqualified from continuing their present roles due to the fear of arising conflict of interests during the probe involving Najib and national strategic development company, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Lim, who is also a political veteran, said Najib has failed to address four pertinent questions regarding the claims made by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in a July 3 article stating that Malaysian government investigators have found almost US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) had been deposited into Najib's personal accounts at a local bank made in two transactions on March 21 and 25 in 2013, ahead of the general election in May.
Lim was of the opinion that Najib must first clarify claims that he owns three personal accounts in AmBank, or some of the RM2.6 billion of funds were deposited into his personal accounts ahead of the general election just before the dissolution of Parliament on April 3 to the origin of the funds, right down to the movement of the money and where it had gone to.
"I call on Najib to publicly answer these questions before the Aidilfitri celebration, say this in his Hari Raya message, so that 1MDB will not be a dominant subject during the festive break and in the weeks leading up to the 58th Merdeka celebration and Malaysia Day anniversary on Aug 31 and Sept 16, respectively.
"Najib had never denied that he had personal bank accounts or that RM2.6 billion had been deposited into them ... but he had repeatedly denied that he had taken funds for personal gain," he said in a statement from his speech, Saturday.
On Friday, The Malaysian Insider reported that Musa said Najib has three options following the scandal including to remain in office and fight the allegations, to reliquish his post and go on leave pending the investigations
In support of the call, Lim said this was a test of Najib’s patriotism, whether he is prepared to end the government paralysis caused by the 1MDB scandal.
Lim said he agrees to the notion that Malaysians should be fair to Najib and the principle that one is innocent until proven guilty but his silence on the allegations made by WSJ has not been consistent with a plea of innocence or compatible with the clean and incorruptible image of the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Haider Yutim
Sun Jul 12 2015
Kit Siang said that the next option besides Musa would be Gua Musang MP and senior UMNO leader, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. - File Photo
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.