I’m not sure it was bribery, Aminah now says
Athi Veeranggan@www.malaysiakini.com
May 26, 2009
Penanti’s independent candidate Aminah Abdullah today said she did not know the offers she claimed to have received from two PKR leaders amounted to bribery until the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) explained it to her.
“The officials told me that the offers amounted to corruption. Only then did I really know it was bribery,” she told journalists, after handing over similar evidence to the Election Commission (EC) office at 11am today. EC officer Noormah Shaari accepted the items from Aminah and her husband Mohd Rofi Osman.
Aminah’s latest statement, however, contradicted what she said last Saturday after the nomination process, when she told journalists that she had been offered a cash bribe.
The duo implicated but not named by Aminah – supreme council member Cheah Kah Peng and Lim Eng Nam, a special officer to Penang state executive councillor Law Choo Kiang – have briefed the party leadership on the issue.
“They have categorically denied that they had attempted to bribe (Aminah) and told the leadership that they went on their own initiative to see her and persuade her to withdraw,” Law (left) said when contacted. He also said that PKR strategic director Tian Chua is heading an internal investigation into the allegations.
When going public with her allegations yesterday, Aminah said the duo had come to her house in Jelutong on May 13, and told her that they had the blessings of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.
Disclosing details of the alleged offers, she said they had offered to reimburse her campaign expenses to date – about RM80,000 – and offered her a top post in a municipal council if she pulled out of the by-election and returns to PKR. An alternate scenario was that, if she contests and wins, she would be rewarded with a Penang government post for returning to PKR.
In Sunday’s by-election for the state seat, she will face PKR’s Mansor Othman and fellow Independents Nai Khan Ari Nai Keow and Kamarul Ramizu Idris.
‘We were close friends’
Aminah claimed the duo met her three times and made several phone calls to her to persuade her to withdraw. The conversations, she said, were recorded in three parts in separate compact discs. Asked if she was the one who had demanded the RM80,000, she said she had only told the PKR officials that she had spent this amount, including the election deposit of RM8,000.
As to whether the duo are Cheah and Lim, she replied: “Why ask when you already know their identity?” Aminah, the former Penang PKR women’s wing head, related that Cheah and Lim were her close friends while she was in the party for almost 10 years. She vehemently refuted the suggestion that she had betrayed close friends and failed to honour their friendship when she had recorded their conversation without their knowledge.
“I did not betray my friends. I only took precautionary steps to safeguard myself,” she said angrily, alleging that PKR leaders routinely record discussions. She reiterated that she would not have revealed the details except for the challenge by PKR state chief Zahrain Hashim, and insisted that her disclosure was to “uphold justice and truth”.
On another claim that her safety was at stake after making her allegations, Aminah said she has not received any threats up to now. She lodged a report yesterday seeking police protection for herself and her family. Aminah had left PKR in 2007 under acrimonious circumstances after a fallout with the state party leadership.
MACC starts investigation
Yesterday, Aminah responded to the Penang MACC’s instruction to report to its office where her statement was recorded over six hours – from 4.30pm to 10.30pm. She handed over a copy of the audio recording of her conversation with the two PKR officials and photographs taken with them. Aminah is continuing with her statement today and is currently at the MACC office.
When contacted, MACC Penang director Latifah Md Yatim said the commission has opened an investigation file on Aminah’s report, and will soon call up relevant parties for their statements. “We will try to complete the probe as soon as possible,” said Latifah.
Din Merican: the Malaysian DJ Blogger 
“Disclosing details of the alleged offers, she said they had offered to reimburse her campaign expenses to date – about RM80,000 – and offered her a top post in a municipal council if she pulled out of the by-election and returns to PKR. An alternate scenario was that, if she contests and wins, she would be rewarded with a Penang government post for returning to PKR.”
You know what?? Having listened to the tape I find her story convincing.
As a strong and unwavering supporter since 1998 of KeADILan and now Parti KeADILan Rakyat after the merger with Syed Husin Ali-led PRSM, I am very frustrated by stupid acts of party officials like supreme council member Cheah Kah Peng and Lim Eng Nam, a special officer to Penang state executive councillor Law Choo Kiang. They should be investigated by the party’s disciplinary board and if found to have violated PKR’s code of conduct, they must be punished. It is reliably understood both Cheah and Law have been sabotaging the efforts of Dato Zaharain Hashim to reorganise the party’s machinery in Penang. That has to stop forthwith.
I am equally shocked to learn in this Malaysiakini report that Tian Chua has been asked to investigate this matter. Tian Chua, a MP for Batu, is known for being a rebel rouser. Of late, he has become remote from his constituents in Batu and will eventually pay a heavy price, come the next election. He is actually Anwar Ibrahim’s dilemma and a liability to PKR, particularly when he was the Information Chief and a major obstacle to efforts by PKR to reorganise Suara KeADILan. He too should be disciplined. If PKR wants to lead Pakatan Raykat in the next government of our country, its leaders at all levels must be examplary and demonstrably committed to serving the rakyat.
But what has any of this got to do with the elections? Such deals are made all the time. It looks like in this case the crime is not in making deals but in being caught making them.
…. and it is not even a crime. She is not a public official.
See how fast MACC reacts to reports made against the Opposition but will drag its feet when dealing with Umno leaders. Smack of double standard.
In Bolehland nothing is tak boleh insofar as Umno is concerned….
Bro….these are some of the qualities of PKR members….Do we Malaysians want this kind of people to lead us????
It seems to me that the Aminah issue highlights some basic weaknesses in the PKR/PR setup and organisation.
It is obvious that there is no proper vetting process, especially in the selection of representatives, as evidenced by the Penang & Perak issues.
Second there is no control over the permitted activities of membership (especially Council Members and othr seniors), that is, who is allowed to do what (read that as lack of basic discipline and control over membership behaviour).
Third there is no enforcement of actions against truant members and those caught misbehaving. In political societies this a cardinal weakness. UMNO may be at a loss on its current direction but you have to admire its total control and discipline! No member fall out of line!
Fourth, the leadership does not come out immediately in a transparent way to diffuse the issues created by its members so as to maintain public credibility and sympathy. In this particular instant the PKR leadership should have immediately acknowledged early the meetings between the two really naive (should I say stupid) members and Aminah. By allowing Aminah to continue flounting the issue where there was none, appears to many independent observers like me that PKR may still not be ready to assume the leadership at the centre.
Fifth, it is obvious that PKR does not a strong organsiational structure like its partners PAS and DAP. Most of the issues of the PR seems to come out of PKR. Please recall the Perak, Penang , Selangor and even the Kedah cases all involved PKR members. I sincerely hope that this is not a consequence of that fact that many PKR membership are former UMNO and BN chaps. One way of redirecting their mindset to the new ideals of PR is what I would term “in-house training”. You may want to call it re-brain washing!
Sixth PKR must build up a striong cadre structure based on the new ideals espoused by Malaysians, jointly with the PAS and the DAP. I say this because the future Malaysian political parties must reflect a single Malaysian identity, NOT BASED ON ANY RACIAL/RELIGIUOS LINES. In other words, PR must lead by merging the three disparate political groups into a single Malaysian party. the Malaysian Constitution as it stands now is ideally suited for such a party.
The Aminah issue should be the last that PKR should try and defend. It is time to do some house cleaning. If Hercules could clean the Stygean stables, I dont see why PKR cannot clean house.
It is real lessons for PKR to learn. PKR with sponsorship should start political science and train its politicians, perhaps by Zahid Ibrahim. It is okay to make mistake and learn from it rather than make mistakes and deny them. From their tone, I believe they felt betrayed. I would. If this is not betrayal then what is, to have a friendly visit and conversation being recorded, this Aminah fella is so scheming…………just like Sy Hamid said to arrest people to protect them! Look at her face, can’t believe her innocence…..
To lead the PR into the future in Malaysian politics, PKR really needs to boot out the Trojan horses still being brooded within the ranks of PKR either at the central leadership level or at the branch level.
For this to happen, the central leadership needs to identify staunch and loyal members like Azmin Ali who are really committed to the party ideals and stand steadfast in defending the party in times of crisis and not to subtly fan the fire for the opposition to take advantage of.
Training of party cadres is of paramount importance and state camps for branch and divisional level members identified as potential leaders who are committed to the party ideals and not being easily bought over.
The leadership should constantly keep in touch with its grassroot members and keep the updated on the latest in state governance.
Stringent vetting procedures need to be put in place and a committee for the selection of potential candidates in selected constituencies be formed so as to avoid the fiasco of elected members like the two defected Perak Exco members.
Top leaders like Tian Chua, Manickavasagam ( MP ) and others must be monitored for the allegiance to the party. Sometimes their actions does not fall in line with what the party strives for.
Street demonstrations is fair but should not tantamount to creating a bad image for the party.
Also, PKR needs to educate the lawmakers like ADUN’s and MP’s on the workings of town councils , state government and Federal government agencies like ministries and GLC’s.
The PR or PKR should set up an educational committee staffed with people well versed in local government and town councils.
This is the way forward for a brighter future for the PKR and PR government. Weed out the corrupt , trojan horses and the political weaklings and you will have a strong base for propelling forward.
It is better to have quality than quantity in politics although quantity does count at times.
Let’s not talk about what Aminah did. Let us worry about why PKR leaders should even try to dissuade anyone from standing as election candidates. Their business is to pick their own candidate, file the nomination papers, then campaign and let voters decide who should represent them, either in Parliament at the State Assembly. They have no business trying to dissuade Aminah or any other candidate from standing. If a hundred people want to stand as independents, then let there be a hundred independents.
It looks like after getting played out by Nasaruddin in Perak, PKR still has not learned anything. Stupid or naive, I do not know.
Mdm Fugly Aminah is a stooge of Ezam, the backstabber is it not?
When PKR officials deal with types like these – whose agendas are ‘self-promotional’, extra caution has to be exercised.
Even Anwar, who is ‘too trusting’ according to Kak Wan, got his knickers all twisted up by that unmentionable amphibian backjumper at the beginning of the Perak fiasco!
Human nature being what it is, is fraught with ambiguity! A little paranoia is essential for survival – but we don’t need to descend to the morbid psychoses that Be-end revels in…
Aminah Abdullah – apart from being Tangku Adnan in drag – also happens to be very attached to Ezam Mohd Nor who has been classified as “more toxic than depleted uranium.” That should explain everything!
Now that her facial photo too are on the net I doubt she would stand a chance winning the hearts of the PEOPLE to have her as a PEOPLE REPRESENTATIVE. If she does win she might need TOYOL’s dermatologist to give some advise, at the people’s expense offcuz.
The problem with PKR is that they are filled with UMNO Ex-members and idiots. 2 high ranking member went to see this drag queen just to convinced her not to contest??? Are you stupid? Since when in Malaysia, an independent candidate ( without the backing of Mainstream Party) can win? So, why was there a need to seriously consider the drag queen as a threat? PKR needs to understand that they are not UMNO or Gerakan or MCA or MIC. PKR exist because of the good graces of the Malaysian rakyat. Any individual who wanted to contest or do harm to PKR or PR will not succeed if the rakyat hold firm with their believe in PKR or PR. Don’t bother about these moles, traitors and two faces whores. As long as you hold the trust of rakyat nothing can hurt you BUT THESE TWO BLOODY IDIOTS WHO WENT TO SEE THE DRAG QUEEN ARE REALLY TESTING THE RAKYAT’S PATIENCE! PKR, DO YOU HAVE ONLY IMBECILES AS PARTY OFFICIAL? YOU CAN’T GET MORE INTELLIGENT MEMBERS OR EVEN SOMEONE WHO GOES TO SECONDARY SCHOOL AS PARTY MEMBERS? THE IQ OF YOUR PARTY OFFICIAL REALLY DOES REFLECT ON THE PARTY MENTAL HEALTH AND FUTURES. WHY DO YOU THINK UMNO IS IN DECLINE? THEY HAVE ASININE AND MORONS AS PARTY OFFICIAL, THAT’S WHY! A GOOD EXAMPLE, RAIS YATIM AS INFORMATION MINISTERS…ANIFAH AMAN AS FOREIGN MINISTERS AND THE BEST WAS NAJIB AS PM AND PARTY PRESIDENT..ANYONE CATCHES HIS SPEECHES LATELY….I CAN’T BELIEVE HE IS MALAYSIA’S PM! WE’RE DOOMED….PK GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER OR THE RAKYAT WILL LEAVE YOU BEHIND AND STAY WITH PAS AND DAP ONLY!
Well the choice is with the people of Penanti. Surely you do not want someone of Aminah type who even betrays her close friend. It is always true as the saying goes; with Aminah around you don’t need …..!!!
Good luck people of Penanti and if you ask me who to vote-the answer is vote for PAKATAN CANDIDATE.
Unless you believe that AMINAH has the credentials to be a deputy to Lim Guan Eng. Look at her eyes and look at her face!!!
Who is this Aminah fella? I didn’t even know who she was. Is she a hot favorite to win? Based on this alone I’d believe that nobody would even bother to bribe her. Hopefully I could get my hands on that tape to find out for myself. Is it available for download anywhere (without malicious clipping and editing of course)?
My message to Abg Din and all of PKR is to stop beating around the bush and start practicing what you preach! Pakatan has been mocking at BNs every dirty move but are mere copy cats themselves. Zorro had asked me to elaborate on what I meant by ‘observe and learn’… well I need not say much…Aminah is one vivid example!
Its hilarious to see Pakatan being ridiculed by a goreng pisang seller ,a postman ,a maimed female dwarf and a frustrated spinster.
What is next?
This Aminah Abdullah is a non-entity. She is looking for some publicity and our young and inexperienced politicians fell into her trap and are now grumbling like a bunch of kids about being betrayed by her. Don’t mix friendship with politics. Even an idiot knows that friendship can be sacrificed at the altar of politics.
I note your comments and will inform my political colleagues in Penang that they should prevent young punks in the party, however qualified they may be, from making unauthorised remarks, thereby damaging the image of our party. We need people who are mature to know how to play the game.–Din Merican
I agree completely with Hamderhak and sirusa comments. PKR must strengthen it structure and ground organisation. Without effective organisation there can be no proper management and weak management will destroy the Party.
PRK must have periodical training sessions for its members. Ordinary members must familiarise themselves with new ideas, political knowledge and discipline. Memebers must be updated with develoment and latest event affecting the country. members must know what good governance is and what nation building means.
It looks like we have a family quarrel here. Stop squabbling and move on.
This episode of the two Jokers going to meet the Pontianak for lunch to persuade her to withdraw from the Bye-Election smells of
a sell-out within the PKR.I believe Cheah and Lim are in cohorts with Aminah and the whole setting has been staged by Ezam.
Who in the right mind would worry about of all this joke of a person.The fact that recordings were made with preparations tells you that all three are in the game together.
This Che Minah is just like the 2 SOB Perak froggies. Their explanation “the other party offered us Chinadolls so we took it” That ‘s not corruption till MACC told us so” Ha my foot.
PKR “YOU HAVE A PROBLEM”
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what i cant understand mr. din is why pkr leaders have too stoop to this when they have everything going for them. good leadership never stoops this low . they seem no better then UMNO – BARISAN leaders and leadership. i still dont have confidence in anwar nor pkr mr din merican . you mr din , represent a certain quality and good sense through this blog. but i cant see the same in anwar nor pkr. the same ” pariahness ” i see in UMNO – BARISAN seems to be SHOWING IN PKR MR DIN MERICAN. WHY?
PKR will always have problems if they continue to keep low down butt holes in the party.
In Sabah there are ‘jackasses’ in the party fold , who will sell their souls to the devil for a few dollars. Hightime party leadership get rid of these jerks before the whole of Pkr are infested by blood sucking fleas.
danildaud ,
i don’t know about the pkr’s content ( meaning quality of membership ) either in sabah or sarawak or the peninsula . the opinions i share is based on the perceptions i make from reading news like whats above. hence , i must say here that i agree with you that these slime balls should be flushed down to one of INDAH WATERS SANITARY PONDS FOR TREATMENT OR FOR PERMANENT STAY.
marissa a.
C’mon guys! Come off it.
The truth is there are little Aminahs and little Hees and little whatever running all over, adding color and excitement to our lives including their own and providing work to one of the world’s oldest professions – and I don’t mean prostitutes.
Right you are Mr Bean. The little Aminahs and Hees are important lessons to be learnt and PR will have many more of these in order for them to learn well. The problems are not the trojan horses themselves, but whether PR will learn or is capable of learning from them and how to deal with these as they come falling down.
It is clear that PR is still very raw at governing. They are great experts at finding faults and being good watchdogs of present administrations. They have a long way to go and I just hope that should they be given the chance to govern, they can do a decent job at the basic level.