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Since when do public officials evade investigation and scrutiny simply by claiming they are innocent, swearing on a holy book, or referencing the blanket endorsement of another public official who is equally suspect of breaches of ethical conduct, corruption and cronyism.
Of course in Malaysia. See how DPM Najib slithers his way out of the question about the SMS messages and the helicopter deal (towards the end of the video). This man loses more credibility every day that the unanswered questions about his alleged involvement in and knowledge of backroom deals and criminal activity linger. The reporters present at this press conference ought to get a basic training in how to grill a slithery politician on the most obvious and egregious of public scandals. Perhaps they can take notes the first time Najib sits across from Anwar Ibrahim in Paliament (if Najib every decides to show up), and Anwar tears into him. Najib did not deny the text message exchanges between him and a lawyer at the heart of the allegations were genuine. “Why do I need to comment? There is no abuse of power,” the deputy prime minister said. He only said the SMS exchanges were a private matter. Well not anymore because they are in the public domain and people need to know that he’s not lying about his knowledge of the circumstances of the case. Then…to be laughing and joking along with the PM-in-waiting as he dodges questions about Altantuyaa is just inexcusable, as many journalists seemed to have been doing. No abuse of power took place according to Najib. The Alaska government said the same thing about Gov. Sarah Palin regarding her involvement in “TrooperGate” although it did conclude she breached proper ethical conduct. Did the American media laugh and giggle as she evades questions about the matter. Not quite. They had a field day. Can we say the same about Najib in this case? Will anyone even try to get an answer? Would the ACA be bothered to investigate this, even if it would take precious resources away from their investigation of other more important cases? Does it at least raise some eyebrows given all the other circumstantial evidence linking Najib to the case? Perhaps he should submit to a lie detector test, as simulated in the following video: Then…to let the man walk out of the PC (final minute of video clip of his press conference) without giving a clear answer to the serious questions regarding the Helicopter purchase wins the award for the softest and most pliant “independent” journalism in Malaysia (perhaps we can call that the New Straits Times award for journalistic mediocrity). Malaysiakini has published a clear enough article that would lead to at least a dozen questions that need to be answered by the Minister of Defense. The standard “we did nothing wrong” mantra doesnt work anymore. And it’s not an accusation being made by the opposition as Najib snickered. The accusations emanate from one of his own…an UMNO member - Capt (rtd) Zahar Hashim. Things in Malaysia seem to be getting worse and worse before they hopefully get better. PS Anyone heard from Bala? http://dinmerican.wordpress.com/
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