PRESS STATEMENT
22 DECEMBER 2020
The sentence of 12 months’ jail and a fine of RM2 million, along with the guilty verdict for former Federal Territories minister Tengku Adnan “Ku Nan” represents a laudable step towards the cleaning up of corruption in the country. The Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4 Center) commends the judiciary for the verdict.
To quote High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan, Ku Nan had used his personal company Tadmansori Holdings Sdn Bhd to “enjoy the fruit of crime”.
Still, the guilty verdict for the case of Ku Nan accepting RM2 million from businessman Chai Kin Kong four years ago is merely the tip of the iceberg, as the former minister was also embroiled in a corruption case of RM1 million, which saw Ku Nan discharged not amounting to acquittal (DNAA), not to mention other cases under MACC’s watch.
That the case went to a DNAA leaves questions unanswered, and the case should be reopened to fully bring to light any misconduct from the former minister, while setting a further precedent that any acts of corruption from those in office will no longer be tolerated or allowed to be swept under the rug.
Ku Nan’s role in several other controversial mega projects, including Desmond Lim’s proposed Pavilion Taman Tun at Taman Rimba Kiara and the distinctly expensive Bangsar-Damansara elevated highway project should also be investigated further.
Despite his denials of any improper dealings and engagements with companies related to property tycoon Desmond, it is a series of amazing coincidences that have happened. Ku Nan’s Tadmansori Holdings securing 20% effective ownership of Sering Manis, the project company of the Pavilion Genting Highlands project, which in turn is linked to Desmond Lim himself. It also seems a major coincidence that Ku Nan’s brother, Tengku Rethwan, was also appointed a director of Sering Manis.
As such, C4 Center calls for MACC to further investigation into Ku Nan’s RM1 million DNAA graft case, as well as the continued investigation into the Taman Rimba Kiara and the Bangsar-Damansara elevated highway project cases.
By proving beyond reasonable doubt his involvement in the RM2 million corruption case, perhaps the other cases that Ku Nan is involved in should be fully investigated and tried in court to bring the truth to light, especially in the pursuit of cleaning up corruption in Malaysia.
The verdict also brings to light the importance of independent institutions in ensuring that justice is served, and corrupt politicians must never see a welcome in the corridors of power.
Released by:
Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4 Center)
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