Kit Siang: How much ex-gratia paid to 1998 sacked judges?

LIM Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timur) has asked the Government to reveal the amount of ex-gratia paid to a former Lord President and five Supreme Court judges, who were sacked during the 1998 judicial crisis.

Debating on the motion of the mid-term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan, he questioned whether the ex-gratia was adequate. He also said that so far, no one knew how much were paid as the sum was never disclosed.

Lim also questioned the delay in the setting up of the judicial appointment commission and the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

“Reforms need to take place in the judiciary and the police.

So far, IPCMC has yet to be established and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim does not have confidence in the police,” he said.

Lim also questioned the reason for the cancellation of the Monorial and Penang Outer Ring Road projects in Penang.

“The RM2.3bil projects are off. Is this the way to punish Penangites, who have chosen PKR and the DAP?

“Is this the Government that only rewards those who support Barisan Nasional and not all people in the country?” he asked.

He also said that the additional RM1bil given to Sabah would not solve the state’s problem.

“Sabah has been neglected for the past 44 years. Where can the RM1bil go? It will only benefit a few people in Sabah and not the rakyat,” Lim said.