Rahim Ghouse denies trying to hook in PN MPs

SHAH ALAM - Former Abrar Group International Sdn Bhd executive director Dr Abdul Rahim Ghouse denies being the person known as 'Datuk Rahim' suspected to be a broker for the unity government to garner support from opposition MPs.

Rahim, a former staunch supporter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the 1998 reform era expressed surprise for being linked as an agent or government broker to persuade MPs from the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition to switch their support to the Tambun MP.

He said he was no longer actively involved in politics, held no party position and has no direct relationship with the Prime Minister's Office.

"I believe you have the wrong person. I deny being 'Datuk Rahim', the broker trying to win the support of opposition MPs.

"I am no longer directly involved in politics, hold no party position, and have no connection with the PMO (Prime Minister's Office).

"I am now fully focused on my business only. I am not closely following the political developments in the country," he said.

He said this in response to Gerik MP Fathul Huzir Ayob, who claimed that there were still efforts by certain parties believed to represent the unity government to approach and persuade opposition MPs to declare support for Anwar.

Recently, Fathul revealed that an individual named 'Datuk Rahim' had contacted him and several other PN MPs several times, offering various rewards to convince them to shift their support to the existing government.

Fathul's revelation surprised many, amid speculation about the alleged Langkah Dubai (Dubai Move), claimed by the PN election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, as being supported by statutory declaration (SD) from 120 PN MPs.

However, Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal reiterated on Saturday that at least eight opposition MPs would declare support for Anwar.

He said MPs were expected to declare their support in the upcoming parliamentary session.

Known as a close associate of Anwar, Rahim, who is also the former Penang Umno youth chief had previously been exposed by Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, as one of the individuals attempting to garner support from 30 Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs in 2008 to facilitate the success of the 'Sept 16, 2008 Move.'

Sept 16, 2008, was the date mentioned by Anwar to form a new government to take over the administration led by the then prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but the plan failed.