A drama well played by Manikavasagam

Kapar MP makes an about-turn on sand mining probe

PETALING JAYA: Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam has made an about-turn in his earlier decision not to back Selangor's Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) investigations into alleged corruption in state-owned sand-mining company Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd (KSSB).
"After discussions with the MPs, I've agreed to let Selcat investigate," he said Tuesday, after meeting with PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other party leaders at the PKR headquarters here.
On Saturday, Manikavasagam said he did not trust Selcat as there was a leak in the documents he had handed to Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim earlier, and that he would wait for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate his allegation.
Selcat announced on Monday that it would hold a public hearing on the alleged corruption on July 2-4, from 10am to 1pm, at the state secretariat.
Manikavasagam said his meeting, which lasted about half an hour, was to discuss Selangor issues and not just the sand-mining controversy.
"Yes, we discussed Kumpulan Semesta but I'll leave it to the party and Datuk Seri (Anwar). The party stand is very clear, we will fight corruption. Whoever is corrupt, we will catch them," he said.
Last week, Manikavasagam lodged a police report against KSSB officials and handed over documents he claimed contained evidence of graft.
Manikvasagam said the MACC had taken statements from him and three informants.
Asked about Khalid's statement that he "should face the consequences of his actions," Manikvasagam said he was not intimidated.
"I am not scared or shaken. I'll fight all. This is about corruption. We need to clear everything," he said.
On Sunday, red paint was splashed on the cars of Manikavasagam and his wife, at their home, and a death threat, written on a piece of paper, was attached to a paint bag hurled by the attackers into his porch.
Last week, KKSB demanded that Manikavasagam apologise and withdraw his accusation of financial irregularities or face legal action for defamation.
"I would also like to make it clear that I am standing firm with PKR. Rumours about me jumping are not true," he said.

tunku : i have said earlier this is all drama afterall. i wonder if the paint bag was splashed by their own people to make it look real.this is not the first time manikavasagam brought up hot issue with selangor government. he should get an award for acting very well.