Anwar denies knowledge of 'Project IC'

KOTA KINABALU - Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim denied knowledge of "Project IC", claiming he was kept out of the loop when he was in the federal cabinet from 1982 to 1998.

Speaking as a witness before the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on immigrants in Sabah here yesterday, Anwar also said he was never invited to any meeting of the National Security Council (MKN) when he was Deputy Prime Minister from 1993 to 1998.

He, however, admitted hearing of a secret task force dealing with issuing identity documents to immigrants.

Anwar, who is PKR de-facto leader, described the special task force as a "secretive operation", and believed the operation was ongoing and that the task force had never disbanded.

"I sympathise with Dr Mahathir (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) because we see evidence of this still ongoing," Anwar said when replying to conducting officer Manoj Kurup.

Anwar was the first witness at yesterday's hearing and was wearing dark sunglasses when testifying due to an eye problem.

When RCI panel head Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong asked if "Project IC" was discussed in cabinet during his tenure as deputy prime minister, he said "no", explaining that there was also no follow up by the Home Affairs Ministry.

"The Sabah ministers who highlighted the issue were probably satisfied by the explanation given by Home Affairs Ministry," he said.

Anwar, who was the 210th witness, also said that the government had the right to review citizenship documentation obtained in a dubious manner.

"We don't necessarily have to confer them citizenship, but perhaps, place them in different categories (to differentiate them from genuine Malaysians) in order for them to remain in the country," he added.

Asked by Shim on whether he agreed that Malaysia's system on the issuance of citizenship was weak, Anwar disagreed.

Asked by Manoj on suggestions to rectify the problem such as an exercise to recall and re-issue ICs or risk deportation, he said it was a good idea.

The inquiry continues today.

Meanwhile, the commission will have its jurisdiction extended for another three months.

Its secretary, Datuk Saripuddin Kasim, said the RCI which should end this Friday would be extended until Dec 21 this year to complete investigations and its report.