The report published by the Iraq Survey Group (ISG) listed a Malaysian by the name of “Abdullah Badawi” had been given vouchers to sell 2 million barrels of oil via a company named Tradeyear. Although national oil firm Petronas was also named, the ISG report did not identify Abdullah as the PM.
In a statement Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said, “The Ministry [will] conduct the investigation as there is absolutely no proof to say that Abdullah Badawi the prime minister is involved in deals under the United Nations’ oil-for-food program.”
“He was not involved,” added Syed Hamid.
Speaking to reporters, PM Abdullah said, “I have supported the various Malaysia companies that wanted to participate in the oil-for-food program of Iraq. That program is a valid legitimate business organised by the United Nations in collaboration with the Iraqi government. So I sent the letter supporting the companies’ bids for roles in the program. That’s all. Nothing else.”
“I have no deal or share in the matter. I don’t know how my name was implicated. I just want to find out how come my name is there,” he added.
