PSM explores 'Yang Berhormat v Yang Berasuah' scandal in parallel universe
RK Anand
Published: Nov 14, 2024 1:43 PM
The alleged corruption scandal in a “cukup makan” (barely enough) state has led PSM leader S Arutchelvan to travel to a parallel universe where Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim is still the prime minister.
He said when an allegation surfaced in the parallel universe that elected representatives in Sabah, where hardcore poverty is six times the national rate, are discussing bribes, the “father of the nation” is aghast.
“In the parallel universe, there can only be YBs who are ‘Yang Berhormat’ (respected). There is no room for those who are ‘Yang Berasuah’ (corrupted),” Arutchelvan told Malaysiakini.
The PSM deputy chairperson said Harapan politicians, who have been battling against corruption for decades, are incensed in this parallel universe.
“MACC is told to act without fear or favour and to leave no stone unturned regardless of how crucial that stone might be to keeping the current structure intact,” he added.
The immunity snag
In the parallel universe, Arutchelvan said the MACC chief commissioner springs into action at the mere mention of the word “corruption”.
“He too is aghast. Such things should not happen under his watch, let alone when the nation has a new father, who despite forgiving those who squandered billions, will not tolerate the act of squandering itself,” he added.
However, Arutchelvan said there is a snag in both universes - present and parallel - since the whistleblower is seeking complete protection before coming forward.
Published: Nov 14, 2024 1:43 PM
The alleged corruption scandal in a “cukup makan” (barely enough) state has led PSM leader S Arutchelvan to travel to a parallel universe where Pakatan Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim is still the prime minister.
He said when an allegation surfaced in the parallel universe that elected representatives in Sabah, where hardcore poverty is six times the national rate, are discussing bribes, the “father of the nation” is aghast.
“In the parallel universe, there can only be YBs who are ‘Yang Berhormat’ (respected). There is no room for those who are ‘Yang Berasuah’ (corrupted),” Arutchelvan told Malaysiakini.
The PSM deputy chairperson said Harapan politicians, who have been battling against corruption for decades, are incensed in this parallel universe.
“MACC is told to act without fear or favour and to leave no stone unturned regardless of how crucial that stone might be to keeping the current structure intact,” he added.
The immunity snag
In the parallel universe, Arutchelvan said the MACC chief commissioner springs into action at the mere mention of the word “corruption”.
“He too is aghast. Such things should not happen under his watch, let alone when the nation has a new father, who despite forgiving those who squandered billions, will not tolerate the act of squandering itself,” he added.
However, Arutchelvan said there is a snag in both universes - present and parallel - since the whistleblower is seeking complete protection before coming forward.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki
“He has also admitted to being the bribe giver and his credibility has come under scrutiny.
“But the important distinction is that in the parallel universe, the authorities are more eager to establish the credibility of his evidence against those entrusted with upholding the rule of law and public trust,” he added.
Fat salary, slew of entitlements
Arutchelvan decided to embark on this “sci-fi trip” after viewing the video of veteran Sabah politician Rubin Balang. The assemblyperson complained that his son, the Tenom MP, has to depend on his salary alone since he was not given other appointments.
Contrasting this against the new minimum wage of RM1,700 in the present universe, the PSM leader said: “Let’s take a step back and look at his son’s dilemma based on what MPs are entitled to.”
“Salary: RM16,000 per month, Parliamentary sitting attendance: RM400 per day, government agency meetings/ workshops attendance: RM300 per day, entertainment allowance: RM2,500 per month, special payment for non-administration MP: RM1,500 per month, fixed travel allowance: RM1,500 per month, fuel allowance: RM1,500 per month, toll allowance: RM300 per month, driver allowance: RM1,500 per month, handphone purchase: up to RM2,000 every two years, phone bill allowance: RM900 per month.
“Purchase of computer: up to RM6,000, black-tie attire subsidy: RM1,000 every three years, ceremonial attire allowance: Up to RM1,500, warm clothing allowance, free vehicle license, official trips - business class air travel, official trips - first-class rail travel, domestic duties exceeding 32km from home: Hotel allowance up to RM400 a night.
“Daily stipend during business trips: Domestic - RM100 a night/ International - RM170 a night, food allowance when overseas: RM340 a night, first-class single-room ward in government hospitals: Free. MPs also become eligible for a pension after completing 36 months of service and upon reaching 50,” he added.
“He has also admitted to being the bribe giver and his credibility has come under scrutiny.
“But the important distinction is that in the parallel universe, the authorities are more eager to establish the credibility of his evidence against those entrusted with upholding the rule of law and public trust,” he added.
Fat salary, slew of entitlements
Arutchelvan decided to embark on this “sci-fi trip” after viewing the video of veteran Sabah politician Rubin Balang. The assemblyperson complained that his son, the Tenom MP, has to depend on his salary alone since he was not given other appointments.
Contrasting this against the new minimum wage of RM1,700 in the present universe, the PSM leader said: “Let’s take a step back and look at his son’s dilemma based on what MPs are entitled to.”
“Salary: RM16,000 per month, Parliamentary sitting attendance: RM400 per day, government agency meetings/ workshops attendance: RM300 per day, entertainment allowance: RM2,500 per month, special payment for non-administration MP: RM1,500 per month, fixed travel allowance: RM1,500 per month, fuel allowance: RM1,500 per month, toll allowance: RM300 per month, driver allowance: RM1,500 per month, handphone purchase: up to RM2,000 every two years, phone bill allowance: RM900 per month.
“Purchase of computer: up to RM6,000, black-tie attire subsidy: RM1,000 every three years, ceremonial attire allowance: Up to RM1,500, warm clothing allowance, free vehicle license, official trips - business class air travel, official trips - first-class rail travel, domestic duties exceeding 32km from home: Hotel allowance up to RM400 a night.
“Daily stipend during business trips: Domestic - RM100 a night/ International - RM170 a night, food allowance when overseas: RM340 a night, first-class single-room ward in government hospitals: Free. MPs also become eligible for a pension after completing 36 months of service and upon reaching 50,” he added.
Tenom MP Riduan Rubin
Based on the above figures, Arutchelvan, on a sarcastic note, said he could not imagine how Rubin’s son, a first-time MP, would make ends meet.
“Especially when his father dismissed an RM3 million offer as a waste of time,” he added.
‘That fateful September’
Travelling back to the parallel universe, Arutchelvan said DAP - “whose rocket still has fuel in this universe” - has demanded a special sitting in Parliament to discuss the whistleblower’s demand.
In the meantime, he said MACC, in the parallel universe, continues to coax the whistleblower to come forward, citing its sterling track record of not bowing to political pressure.
“The whistleblower is told that there is no precedent to provide a written guarantee against prosecution but since his testimony is crucial, he would be treated in the fairest possible terms.
“The police then issued a statement that the whistleblower’s safety is guaranteed and he should be allowed to spill the beans in the bigger interest of the nation,” he added.
Arutchelvan said the “parallel universe Anwar” does the same, stating that while the executive would not interfere in MACC’s affairs, this allegation however warranted special attention.
Based on the above figures, Arutchelvan, on a sarcastic note, said he could not imagine how Rubin’s son, a first-time MP, would make ends meet.
“Especially when his father dismissed an RM3 million offer as a waste of time,” he added.
‘That fateful September’
Travelling back to the parallel universe, Arutchelvan said DAP - “whose rocket still has fuel in this universe” - has demanded a special sitting in Parliament to discuss the whistleblower’s demand.
In the meantime, he said MACC, in the parallel universe, continues to coax the whistleblower to come forward, citing its sterling track record of not bowing to political pressure.
“The whistleblower is told that there is no precedent to provide a written guarantee against prosecution but since his testimony is crucial, he would be treated in the fairest possible terms.
“The police then issued a statement that the whistleblower’s safety is guaranteed and he should be allowed to spill the beans in the bigger interest of the nation,” he added.
Arutchelvan said the “parallel universe Anwar” does the same, stating that while the executive would not interfere in MACC’s affairs, this allegation however warranted special attention.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
“So he assures the whistleblower that he is neutral, not in lip service, but in deeds. He tells him to come forward because this is not the old regime, but a better, cleaner, and more transparent government.
“The prime minister states that his main focus is to find out if there is any truth behind the allegation.
“So in the parallel universe, the whistleblower is convinced and comes forward. The videos are exposed and Malaysians rejoice. However, those implicated might experience a different feeling depending on what the videos contain,” he added.
Regrettably, Arutchelvan said in the present universe, things are not as encouraging.
“In the present universe, those in positions of power and influence are signalling to the whistleblower that it would be best to keep the videos locked up in a safe so that they can be added to the long list of mysteries plaguing this universe.
“It reminds me of that fateful September in 1998 when Dr Mahathir Mohamad used the entire might of the state to silence a person who stood up against corruption, cronyism, and nepotism,” he added.
“So he assures the whistleblower that he is neutral, not in lip service, but in deeds. He tells him to come forward because this is not the old regime, but a better, cleaner, and more transparent government.
“The prime minister states that his main focus is to find out if there is any truth behind the allegation.
“So in the parallel universe, the whistleblower is convinced and comes forward. The videos are exposed and Malaysians rejoice. However, those implicated might experience a different feeling depending on what the videos contain,” he added.
Regrettably, Arutchelvan said in the present universe, things are not as encouraging.
“In the present universe, those in positions of power and influence are signalling to the whistleblower that it would be best to keep the videos locked up in a safe so that they can be added to the long list of mysteries plaguing this universe.
“It reminds me of that fateful September in 1998 when Dr Mahathir Mohamad used the entire might of the state to silence a person who stood up against corruption, cronyism, and nepotism,” he added.
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