KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has sent a letter of demand to the unity government over accusations of him being involved in a graft case with a businessman amounting to RM15 million.
Hamzah, who is Perikatan Nasional secretary-general, has also sent the letter to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and its chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki.
In the letter, Hamzah demanded the parties immediately cease and desist from “acting in a partisan political manner”, as civil servants are “sworn protectors of the constitutional rights of the people” and must not violate them.
The letter of demand also includes a warning that should the violation persist, proceedings will be brought against the parties to claim compensation for the loss and damage to Hamzah, as well as to protect and vindicate his reputation.
Asked about the timing of the letter’s issuance during the campaign period, Hamzah said that he had recently become aware of a police report filed by businessman Datuk Seri Sim Choo Thiam.
“The police report was lodged on June 12, but I was not privy to its contents,” Hamzah told press conference held at the coalition’s headquarters in Publika, here, today.
“But, I am determined to stand up and speak up when the people want me to fix the wrongdoings happening in the nation.”
Hamzah also claimed that Sim had been subjected to threats of criminal action, detention, and psychological duress in order to coerce him into implicating the former Home Minister’s involvement in the case.
The Bersatu secretary-general also contended that he was a victim of “selective political persecution” orchestrated to undermine the reputation of his political party.
Hamzah also said that his decision to take action was motivated by a desire to prevent the “inhumane” government from instilling fear among business figures, foreign investors, and the general public.
He added that his intentions were geared towards upholding justice within the nation and rectifying all instances he saw as abuses of power.
On May 10, Sim was formally charged with soliciting RM15 million from Hep Kim Hong, the managing director of Asia Coding Centre Sdn Bhd, back in June 2021.
The sum was purportedly offered as an inducement for Hamzah’s support in securing projects from the Home Ministry for Hep’s company. – August 11, 2023