Guan Eng ‘amazed’ by Ahmad Maslan’s loyalty to 1MDB, Najib
Melissa Darlyne Chow
-November 26, 2018 8:06 PM
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng says 1MDB’s debt, with interests, amounts to RM50.707 billion. KUALA LUMPUR: Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng today took a jibe at former deputy minister Ahmad Maslan over his “desperado act” in defending Najib Razak and the 1MDB in spite of revelations made about them.
Lim (PH-Bagan) said he was “amazed” by Ahmad (BN-Pontian) as the latter was still defending 1MDB and Najib (BN-Pekan) when other Umno MPs had already deserted the former prime minister.
“Even though this is a ‘desperado’ effort, but Pontian continues to defend 1MDB. I say ‘syabas’ over your perseverance in fighting for a cause that has long been left behind by other MPs in this house.
“It is only you now. Still so loyal,” he said in the winding up of the Budget 2019 for his ministry at the committee stage here today.
Lim, during his winding up speech, rebutted assertions made by Ahmad, stating that 1MDB’s debt, with interests, stood at RM50.707 billion.
He claimed that the total debt announced by the head of 1MDB in March, before the 14th general election, had only taken into account the principal amount of RM31 billion.
“There are no contradictions to what I have said before. The figure of RM31 billion does not include interests,” Lim said.
Ahmad, who was deputy minister of international trade and industry under the previous administration, had earlier disputed the figures given by Lim, saying that 1MDB had RM42 billion in assets, and RM31 billion in liabilities.
“This I do not understand. Pontian still believes there are assets. There are no more assets.
“The final Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, issued in April 2016, among others recommended that 1MDB’s subsidiaries and assets belonging to them, such as Bandar Malaysia, TRX, the land in Air Itam and Pulau Indah, be surrendered to the Minister of Finance Incorporated, so that they can be meticulously supervised and managed.
“The RM42 billion in assets, the RM31 billion in liabilities. Do not tell me until today, you still believe in these lies?” Lim asked.
To this, Ahmad said Arul Kanda was the 1MDB chief executive officer, so he believed what the latter said.
“I have no reason not to believe him, because to me he is a professional, and he said it to the public repeatedly that 1MDB has RM42 billion in assets, and RM31 billion in liabilities.
“So if you are saying he is lying, that is what you are saying. I do not believe you 100%. Since when have I believed you 100%? If I can believe Arul Kanda, to a certain degree, I can also believe you the same way.
“But you cannot force me to believe you 100%,” Ahmad said.
In response, Lim said it was Ahmad’s choice to be in denial.
“That is your stand. You can say you believe Arul Kanda over me. That is also your choice.
“But remember, I have not cheated this country of a single sen. Not like Arul Kanda and others involved in 1MDB, who have robbed the country,” he said.
The DAP secretary-general asked if one could believe all the statements Arul had given and the reports that had been issued.
“The conclusion is, we cannot. All has been altered. Altered according to the demands of Pekan.
“What has been announced to us in the Cabinet, there are several things which are far worse, involving our country’s leaders.
“The point to which Pekan lied to us is very shocking. He can lie to anyone. There is no one he won’t lie to. Let the police investigate and announce. Then you, Pontian, will be shocked,” he said.
Lim said Ahmad needed to accept the reality of the situation which included former Goldman Sachs chief executive officer Tim Leissner admitting his guilt and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants referring former 1MDB auditor Deloitte to its disciplinary committee.
Ahmad said he would accept that reality when the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court has decided on the case.
To this, Lim said this was the attitude that allowed the 1MDB scandal to happen, resulting in RM50.707 billion in losses.
“I am impressed. Pontian is still loyal to Najib, loyal to 1MDB, and loyal to Arul Kanda. The only MP here doing so. No one else.
“I say ‘syabas’,” he said, to which Ahmad replied “thank you”.
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