ALOR STAR: PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has warned caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor that there is enough evidence linking him with corruption over the theft of rare earth elements (REE) in Sik district.
Rafizi, who is economy minister, said PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will gradually reveal the evidence over a two-week period leading up to the upcoming elections in six states, including Kedah.
"I intend to personally inform Sanusi that we have been doing this (exposing corruption) for a long time already, in terms of presenting the facts related to such issues to the public.
"If we do not have enough evidence to drag this case for two weeks, it means we do not have sufficient information. If we lack the facts, we would have not proceeded with it.
"So, when Saifuddin (as home minister) challenged you (Sanusi) and is waiting for your response, he knows that you won't be able to answer adequately. He (Saifuddin) has 10 more pieces of evidence.
"We will disclose the evidence little by little because we want to see how great is this 'Hero Malaya'," he said in his speech at the Jelajah Madani rally in Suka Menanti here yesterday.
Rafizi stressed that investigations into the matter were not politically motivated but rather one of vital national geopolitical strategic interest.
"It has become a national issue because we know that these rare earth elements are not only crucial economically, but also possess significant strategic geopolitical value.
"Therefore, at the federal government level, we have been informed from time to time about such smuggling activities and we are aware that Kedah is one of the main contributors to the smuggling of these rare earth elements," he added.
Yesterday, Sanusi had claimed there was a major plot to taint his image by using the issue of REE theft in the state.
He had claimed there were attempts to link him to the illegal REE mining cases in the state, which include the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) probe into Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI).
Commenting further, Rafizi stressed that as a state leader, Sanusi must take accountability for the matter as it concerns crucial national resources.
"The CEO of MBI, which is the most important investment agency in Kedah, who was appointed by the MB himself (was detained).
"If I were an MB of any state, even if I am not involved and unaware of anything, but there is corruption, especially involving the theft of vital resources, then I must take responsibility," he added.
