Responding to a question from Nga Kor Ming (DAP-Taiping) on MACC’s statement that corruption in the country had gotten worse as compared with 10 years ago, Rahman told the Dewan Rakyat that the World Competitive Index had two components which was divided into survey and facts.
“The survey was based on perception while the facts were based on data and statistics received from government agencies.
Rahman, who heads the Economic Planning Unit, said one of the reasons for the negative perception on corruption was due to the Penang chief minister being charged.
“People ask if it is true corruption in the country has worsened? Yes, true. Because the chief minister of Penang was charged in court.
“If YB (Nga) wants to help me and the government to improve the index, please ask YB (Lim Guan Eng) to resign, ” Rahman said during the Dewan Rakyat’s question time.
However, hearing this Nga stood up to ask about the latest on MO1, or Malaysia Official 1, referring to the civil suits by the United States Department of Justice to seize assets purchased with money allegedly embezzled from state-owned fund, 1MDB.
This resulted in a shouting match between Othman Abdul (BN-Pendang) and Nga, with the former saying: “MO1 is not charged. Penang chief minister has been charged.”
Nga then shouted back: “The US government is seeking a seizure in assets involving millions of dollars. What is the government doing? Sleeping is it?”.
Deputy speaker Ismail Said was forced to step in, bringing the house to order by stating that this is the last day of the current parliament sitting.
Rahman continued with his reply to Nga, saying that what he was stating was based on facts.
“And the fact is, that the party (DAP) secretary-general has been accused of corruption.”
Following this, Nga asked Rahman if Cabinet ministers will declare their assets to Parliament.
However, the Kota Belud MP first responded by accusing Nga of asking him questions loaded with political insinuations, then added that he was just answering with facts.
On the declaration of assets, Rahman said the Cabinet ministers did so but only to the prime minister.
“Even though Selangor and Penang declare their assets, it sounds good but it is not.
“That does not mean there is no corruption. They can put their assets under the wife and cronies.
“We (BN) declare our assets to the prime minister. MACC is also given access to the declaration of the assets,” Rahman said.