MORE than 17 months have passed since Pakatan Harapan (PH) replaced Barisan Nasional (BN) in the federal government but both sides are still locked by the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) issue.

At the heart of it lies the argument whether 1MDB was a scam or not.

BN is adamant it is not while PH maintains it’s the source of Malaysia’s high government debt and several questionable deals.

Despite the 1MDB trial involving Pekan MP Najib Razak entering its 30th day this week, the opposition led by BN still does not acknowledge that it was a scandalous affair and did not allow Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng to speak of it in Parliament.

“The case is still in court and it hasn’t been decided yet,” said Noh Omar (Tg Karang-BN).

Together with Annuar Musa (Ketereh-BN), Shahidan Kassim (Arau-BN) and Ahmad Maslan (Pontian-BN), they managed to get Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof to ask Lim to stop referring to 1MDB as the case is still being tried.

The issue started when Najib arrived for Lim’s winding-up of the Belanjawan 2020 debate.

As the former prime minister entered Dewan Rakyat, an MP shouted out, “Here, comes 1MDB”.

Although, R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH) said the remark was his, the opposition pointed to Lim and got him to retract it.

“The answer to our problem is there are no answers as some people are still denying 1MDB was a problem. Although, Jho Low has decided to settle his case in the United States by giving up US$1 billion worth of assets, it’s still being denied.

“And 1MDB is a problem that caused other problems. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have paid 88% of the costs or RM8.3 billion for a gas pipeline when no work has been done,” said the Bagan MP, referring to the Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline project, which was signed during the BN administration.

Nevertheless, after several warnings from Ariff to the MPs, Lim was allowed to continue his winding-up until Najib stood up to ask how much debt had PH accumulated during its first year in government.

“You know very well that when we say that the government debt is high because it includes the government guarantees. To ask this now is mischievous,” said Lim to the former finance minister.

“And although our direct debt has increased, it is still below the 55% (of GDP) threshold. Moreover, the international ratings agencies have maintained our rating despite our revelations as they believe we are here to ensure greater transparency.”

This is the first time Najib, who was excused from court last week for an eye infection, has interjected during Parliament debate.

With no more interruptions after that, the second reading (policy stage) of Belanjawan 2020 was passed at 7.45pm with a simple voice vote. – November 4, 2019.