This is why I feel that the new Government is different,
TAIB MAHMUD OFFERS TO "BUY" IMMUNITY FROM PUTRAJAYA?
Kuching: The rumour mill in Petrajaya, Kuching, is said to be furiously turning in overdrive recently with shocking news that Tun Taib Mahmud will be stepping down as State Governor soon.
The talk among Kuching's political elite, especially senior politicians in the ruling PBB party, is that Tun Taib has struck a deal with Putrajaya to "buy" immunity from prosecution. In return, he would step down well ahead of the next state election due in 2021, set up a Sarawak Wealth Fund with his billions stashed overseas, and retire quietly.
Well placed sources quote Tun Mahathir in Putrajaya as saying, "He is old and senile. Nyanyok, you know. We prosecute him, it will take years to settle. He end up in jail pun tak guna. We rather have his money than revenge. We need money to develop the State. We must be practical. Taib needs to return the money to Sarawak. Then he can go on self-exile to Canada or Lebanon. But return the money first."
The question on everyone's lips now is the quantum discussed, negotiated and agreed upon. Sources have indicated a whopping 100 billion. Whether in ringgit or USD is still unknown.
What is known is that a hundred billion, whether ringgit or USD, would be a welcome relief for Sarawak’s State coffers which is also rumoured to be fast depleting.
We can only wait and see. Taib's departure from the scene and from the State would be a good start to a new Sarawak. His billions would also be a fair and just exchange that would be of practical use since the money has always been Sarawak’s rightful treasure that was plundered.
LYC Price at posting:
$1.63 Sentiment: None Disclosure: Not Held
