| PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim stated last night that he would release the full scandalous VK Lingam video clip 'very soon' in light of the recent announcement that a royal commission of inquiry will be set up.
Responding to reporters after speaking at a forum in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said the decision by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to set up the commission was a 'great thing'.
" Personally, I'm very satisfied. The first time, (the matter) was dismissed. The second time, (they said it was) not authentic. The third time, (the government decided to) set up a panel.
"(This is the) fourth time and finally they accepted what we demanded right from the beginning. It's a great thing. I will give my full cooperation - and you can expect the full video to be released very soon," he said.
The eight-minute video, first released by Anwar on Sept 19, showed prominent lawyer VK Lingam in a conversation allegedly brokering judicial appointments with then chief judge of Malaya Abdul Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, who later rose to become chief justice - the nation's highest judicial post.
The government then set up a panel led by former chief judge of Malaya Haidar Mohd Noor to probe into the authenticity of the controversial tape. The panel submitted its findings on Nov 6. 
'Let's see how serious they are'
Based on these reports, Abdullah announced his decision to set up a royal commission. He also said members of the royal commission would only be decided after the terms of reference have been finalised.
The video has caused an uproar in the legal fraternity and had cast doubts over the judiciary's independence.
However, Anwar said he will have to look at prime minister's statement to see how serious the government is before releasing the full 14-minute video clip.
"Let me look at (PM's) statement to see how serious they are because they can change their mind - let them come up with a royal commission (first).
"I have to see the terms of reference - whether the members are credible or whether this is an attempt to whitewash the issues," he said.
Three ministers have been tasked to study the legal aspects of the report submitted by an independent panel - established to verify the authenticity of the clip.
The three ministers are de facto law minister Nazri Abdul Aziz, Home Affairs Minister Radzi Sheikh Ahmad and Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim. They are expected to present their views at the next Cabinet meeting. |
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