KUALA LUMPUR – Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said that if his son is guilty of corruption charges, then punishment should be imposed.
He said this in response to his son’s arrest by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Tuesday.
MACC was reported to have remanded six men, including the son of a menteri besar, to assist in the investigation into a case of producing falsified documents to make RM600,000 in claims since 2022.
Shukri said that he had welcomed the graft busters to the state to investigate the allegations so that the state government would be clean, akin to a “white cloth”.
“If my son is guilty, he should be punished.
“I have provided him with education and knowledge. If he chooses to engage in wrongdoings, even after I have advised him, what more can I do?
“I also advised my staff. I have done my best.
“As for me, I am transparent. My office is open for checks 25 hours a day to ensure there are no irregularities and that it remains free from the influences of corruption.
“I welcome MACC to investigate and ensure that the state government maintains its integrity,” he said during the state assembly in Kangar, Perlis, today.
The Sanglang assemblyman also acknowledged his weakness of being “too good” at administering the state and said he believes anyone entrusted with tasks and responsibilities.
He also said that no one is immune from the law, including himself.
“So if you’re not immune, people can come and investigate, whether it’s for good or bad reasons. We’re all subjected to the law,” he added.
“If someone breaks the law, there are consequences. Misusing the law can also lead to action being taken. This is the norm,” he said.
He said that around 100 MACC officers had previously searched both his house and the Tunas Islam Nursery Centre where he taught, but found nothing.
“After that, MACC remanded my son. He would likely be released tomorrow.
“With this, we hope it opens the door for necessary ‘cleaning’ to happen. We also hope there is no further clamour on social media regarding this.
“If they are found guilty, we hope that is also part of the cleaning.
“My family and I are calm – thank you to our friends for supporting us and praying for the best,” he said.
Yesterday, MACC remanded six men, including the Perlis menteri besar’s son, to assist in the investigation into a case of producing falsified documents to make RM600,000 in claims since 2022.
Two civil servants in the Menteri Besar’s Office and State Secretary’s Office, as well as three company contractors, were also detained.
All the suspects, aged between 26 and 37, were detained by the MACC between 7am and 8am on April 23. – April 25, 2024