Updated: Rich Malaysians

Some Malaysian politicians and their cronies must be very, very rich. At least, this is what I gather when I look at the pix on Umno Reform showing the fierce campaigning during the by-election in the small area called Ijok in Selangor.

The placards hoisted by members of the opposition Keadilan party are obviously alluding to the huge amount of money pocketed by unnamed politicians of the Barisan National ruling coalition. Keadilan, which is led by former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, is jostling with Barisan Nasional for the Ijok seat.

The placard suggests that the commission for some fighter jet or defence deal was RM410 million, which is equivalent to more than US$110 million. Of course, the number may not be true or correct. For example, one F/A-18 Hornet, which is part of the Malaysian air force, costs about US$35 million.

Maybe, the placard is referring to a total contract for a bunch of fighter jets. Maybe the alleged commission has to be discounted.

The number may not be quite right, but there is always deep-rooted suspicion that politicians in Malaysia earn big bucks from defence contracts.

How the money from any defence deal is divided remains a mystery. But defence contract money has been linked to the sensational murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu. You can get a more complete picture of the Mongolian saga at Susan Loone.

I'm just simply amazed that there are so many rich Malaysians out there.

Note: The Malaysian Defence Ministry has issued a three-page statement to rebut claims of huge commissions paid to middlemen in defence contracts.