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KUALA LUMPUR: Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng today criticized former deputy minister Ahmad Maslan for his "desperate act" for the defense of Najib Razak and the 1MDB, despite revelations that have been made about them.
Lim (PH-Bagan) is said to be "surprised" by Ahmad (BN-Pontian), who still defends 1MDB and Najib (BN-Pekan) while other Umno deputies had already deserted the former prime minister.
"Even if it's a" desperate "effort, but Pontian continues to defend 1MDB. I say "syabas" about your perseverance in your struggle for a cause long ignored by other members of this House.
"It's only you now. Always so loyal, "he said at the close of the 2019 budget of his department at the committee meeting, here today.
In his closing speech, Lim refuted Ahmad's claims that the debt of 1MDB, including interest, amounted to RM 50.707 billion.
He said that the total debt announced by the head of 1MDB in March, before the 14th general election, had taken into account only the principal amount of RM 31 billion.
"There is no contradiction in what I have already said. The figure of 31 billion RM does not include interest, "said Lim.
Ahmad, who was deputy minister of international trade and industry under the previous government, had previously disputed the figures provided by Lim, saying that 1MDB had 42 billion RMB assets and 31 RM of liabilities.
"I do not understand this. Pontian still believes that there are assets. There are no more assets.
"The final report of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), released in April 2016, recommended that 1MDB's subsidiaries and their assets, such as Bandar Malaysia, TRX, the land at Air Itam and Pulau Indah, be assigned to the Minister. from Finance Incorporated, so that they can be meticulously supervised and managed.
"The assets of 42 billion RM and commitments of 31 billion RM. Do not tell me until today, you still believe in these lies? Lim asked.
Ahmad explained that Arul Kanda was the president and CEO of the 1MDB. So he believed what he said.
"I have no reason not to believe him because he is a professional to me and he repeated to the public that 1MDB had an asset of 42 billion rand and a liability of 31 billion.
"So, if you say it's lying, that's what you say. I do not believe you 100%. Since when do I believe you 100%? If I can believe Arul Kanda, to a certain extent, I can believe you in the same way.
"But you can not force me to believe you 100%," said Ahmad.
In response, Lim said that Ahmad's choice was to deny.
"It's your position. You can say that you believe Arul Kanda on me. This is also your choice.
"But remember, I did not cheat this country of one sen. Not like Arul Kanda and other people involved in 1MDB, who stole the country, "he said.
The Secretary General of the DAP asked if it was possible to believe all the statements made by Arul and the reports that had been published.
"The conclusion is that we can not. Everything has been changed. Modified according to the requirements of Pekan.
"What we have been told by the cabinet is many things that are far worse and involve the leaders of our country.
"The point at which Pekan lied to us is very shocking. He can lie to anyone. He does not lie to anyone. Let the police investigate and announce. Then, Pontian, you will be in shock, "he says.
Lim said that Ahmad had to accept the reality of the situation, namely that Goldman Sachs' former chief executive officer, Tim Leissner, confessed his guilt and that the Malaysian Institute of Accountants had referred former BMDB auditor Deloitte on his Discipline Committee.
Ahmad said he would accept this reality when the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court have made a decision.
For this, Lim said that it was the attitude that had allowed the 1MDB scandal, resulting in losses of 50.707 billion RM.
"I'm impressed, Pontian is still loyal to Najib, 1MDB and Arul Kanda, the only MP here to do it.
"I say 'syabas'", he said, to which Ahmad replied "thank you".
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