Ismail Sabri unperturbed by 'smear campaign'Posted on 24 June 2011 - 05:25am
Last updated on 24 June 2011 - 10:03am
Terence Fernandez
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
PETALING JAYA (June 23, 2011): “He has to face the consequences, even if he’s my brother!”
This was the response of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob following
allegations that a company providing pirated gaming software to retailers is owned by his brother.» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «
Ismail labeled it a smear campaign as the allegations were first sent via e-mail by anonymous persons to various parties including this newspaper last week.
It was brought up in Parliament on Tuesday by Batu MP Tian Chua.
Deputy Minister Datuk Tan Lian Hoe responded by saying the allegations were created by those hurt by the frequent and effective anti-piracy raids.
According to the allegations, New Tech Resources Sdn Bhd of which Ismail’s brother Zamri is a director, supplies pirated gaming software such as PS2, Xbox 360 and Wii under Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft and Sega, among others.» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «
The allegations assert that retail outlets are “forced” to purchase this illegal software from New Tech Resources.
Those which comply are left alone while those which do not face raids by the ministry’s enforcement officers.
The claims go on to state that red stickers with “New Tech” logos are placed on all products in shops that comply, to alert enforcement officers.
Ismail, when contacted said the allegations were created to hurt him politically.
He said they could also be created by members of syndicates who were affected by the ministry’s constant raids on pirated products.
“This company is owned by a Chinese man in my constituency (Bera) and my brother is the chairman.
“There is no link between my ministry and this company and I do not have a share in it. So there is no conflict of interest. You can check!”
He also said it was unfair to drag his officers into the fray, as the allegations also claim deputy enforcement director (development) Iskandar Halim Sulaiman would be “directed” by Zamri to take action against those who refuse to comply.
“For me, these are baseless accusations, but I can say this: no one is above the law.
“If I receive a complaint, I will direct the enforcement division to raid – even if it happens to be my brother’s company,” Ismail said, adding that the authorities were free to investigate.
A check on the Companies Commission of Malaysia portal reveals Zamri as a director, along with Chet Akok and Nga Hong Fui.
Zamri’s address is in Jerantut; Chet Akok in Petaling Jaya and Nga in Triang, Pahang.
Chet Akok and Foong Kar Hing are shareholders with 450,000 and 50,000 units respectively.
The company which is registered in April 2007, is addressed in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur.
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Jun 27 2011, 01:07 AM, updated 15y ago
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