Saudi ‘explanation’ puts more pressure on PM Razak

Razak faces graft allegations following the discovery that US$681 million was deposited in his personal bank account. The opposition alleges that the funds originated from state-run 1Malaysia Development Berhad Ltd. They certainly do not meet most definitions of “donation”, which cover gifts for institutions working for the welfare of the sick, deprived or underprivileged – not gifts for the rich and powerful holding important constitutional posts like prime minister, heads of security agencies, etc.
It is a basic ethical standard of governance that those in public office cannot receive any gift from a foreign government or head of state. Any such item must be deposited in the national treasury.
This standard is in place to guard against officeholders being bribed or otherwise remunerated for services rendered. Razak appears to have violated this fundamental standard.
A Chandio
(First published in Dawn/Asia News Network)