DAP MP wants Parliament debate on Taib’s wealth

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — A DAP lawmaker today sought to pile more pressure on Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Taib Mahmud by calling for an emergency motion to discuss ongoing corruption probes into his wealth.

Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen, who is also DAP vice-chairman, told reporters today he plans to table a motion to adjourn parliament for an emergency sitting to discuss corruption charges against Taib by foreign governments.

While his motion is not likely to be successful, Chong took the opportunity to criticise Taib (picture) at a press conference in Parliament lobby.

“This is the first time a chief minister from Malaysia has been the subject of investigation by foreign countries on charges of corruption and money-laundering. This brings a bad name to the country,” Chong said, citing reports from Switzerland, Germany and Australia.

He added that while Taib’s family allegedly has billions in property in other countries, Sarawak remains the fourth-least developed state in the country.

“(Taib’s) family’s accumulated wealth is not only against the principle of transparency and does not benefit Sarawak. Because of that, I urge the Parliament to [convene] the meeting for a discussion on this matter,” Chong said.

“The Speaker will determine whether it will be debated at 4.30pm tomorrow,” he added.

Chong’s statement followed reports that both the Swiss and Australian governments had ordered probes into Taib’s assets in their countries respectively.
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ast month, Germany’s Finance Ministry had also called for an investigation into the chief minister’s family finances and Deutsche Bank.