Why need for public drama? Chin Tong asks Rafizi

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — Deputy Defence Minister Liew Chin Tong criticised PKR deputy presidential hopeful Rafizi Ramli for trying to force a trial by media on an aide to Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu over graft allegations.

He said the former Pandan MP was part of the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition and could easily have extended his information to relevant parties.

“Rafizi is one phone call away; he could have called myself, the minister or the person he referred to for clarification.

“I think there is no need for trial by media. There is no hanky panky, we should allow MACC (Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission) to investigate,” he said.

Rafizi issued a public statement yesterday on the matter and appended documents purportedly of suspicious payments to the aide.

Liew, in response to the exposed documents, defended the implicated aide, saying he had acquired loans from friends and family members.

“He got loan from friends, this is all legitimate.

“There shouldn’t be a presumption of the accused,” he said.

Liew said he knew this because he had worked with the implicated person for at least six years and was aware of his insolvency status.

“I know that he was bankrupt; in order for the appointment (as an aide), some of us friends and family tried to help him.

“Helped him in order to clear the bankruptcy to be eligible to work,” he said.

Liew said MACC should investigate the issue as soon as possible to find out the truth, to charge the person implicated or clear his name.

“I think this case shouldn’t be blown out of proportion,” he said.