PETALING JAYA, 26 Feb: The PKR Strategy Director, Rafizi Ramli, claims that the former Minister of Justice, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, had previously tried to influence the decision of the Selangor Government regarding several projects undertaken by friends or those linked to Zaid.
However, Rafizi, who then served as the Chief Executive of the Selangor Economic Advisory Office, said that attempts to lobby were not entertained after discussions were held with the Selangor Economic Advisor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“On 25 June 2010, in an e-mail, Datuk Zaid overtly asked my office to intervene by lobbying with the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, to approve proposals made by his friends or parties connected to him.
“I informed Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and we agreed that it was not in accordance with our office’s procedures to allow party leaders to lobby or influence the state’s decision, especially when it involves public funds,” Rafizi claimed in a press conference held at the PKR Headquarters today.
Rafizi said that he replied the e-mail on 13 July 2010 to inform Zaid about the procedures adopted by the Selangor Economic Advisory Office and the State Government in dealing with Selangor development applications.
Rafizi added that the culture of using politics in a party to influence the government’s decision was the culture of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN), which clearly are against the wishes of Pakatan Rakyat (PR).
“Decisions involving property and tenders are handed over to the committee tasked with following procedures set forth,” added Rafizi.
Therefore, Rafizi advised Zaid to explain why he is still caught up with Umno and BN’s corrupt culture while at the same time talking about transparency, integrity and questioning cultures practiced by PKR.
Meanwhile, quoting Zaid’s twitter on the issue, he takes this as a created story and will explain this issue in a press conference.
