Will Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Annuar Musa resign as MARA Chairman to take responsibility for MARA’s international corruption scandal and to pioneer a culture of responsibility for government leaders and captains of statutory boards and corporations in Malaysia?
Annuar’s revelation today that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak had approved Mara’s purchase of the property in Australia, which has become the subject of MARA as well as Malaysia’s international scandal, can be no refuge for him or excuse that he can enjoy immunity for bringing MARA and the country to such international disrepute.
Annuar’s claim that MARA was not aware of the kickbacks and inflated price for Dudley House as reported by The Age yesterday, although committed by a subsidiary firm, Mara Inc Sdn Bhd, is can be no defence for Annuar as MARA Chairman from taking responsibility for the corruption scandal.
The Australian paper had reported that Mara officials had used government funds to bid up the price for the Melbourne apartment block from A$17.8 million (RM51.5 million) to A$22.5 million (RM65 million).
The extra A$4.75 million (RM13.7 million) was allegedly sent back to Malaysia as kickbacks.
It does not speak well of MARA or Annuar’s professionalism or competence that they have to wait for the expose of The Age before bestirring themselves on the issue.
Annuar’s claim that “To the best of our knowledge at that point of time the value was much higher, the value by international valuers was much higher and we bought at a lower value” has compounded public disappointment with the MARA Council Chairman and Members, establishing that they are not fit and qualified to be vested with the national trust of directing and managing MARA’s mission and funds.
Why have all those named and involved in the MARA Inc. corruption in connection with Dudley House scam, bringing shame to MARA and Malaysia, not been suspended from their posts immediately?