The Chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, James Agalga, has responded to concerns from the Minority over the lack of updates on the Sapeiman gold and cash raid, nearly two months after the high-profile operation.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, April 1, Agalga defended the committee's handling of the matter, emphasizing that national security considerations must take precedence. "The last time the committee took a decision to invite the Ministers for Defence and Interior to appear, they appeared and briefed us on certain matters. "I mean they [Minority] should have used the same opportunities and privileges which are available to him to get us to summon the ministers to brief at least the committee on progress in respect of the arrests and the interception of gold bars at Sapeiman," he stated.
He explained that the ongoing investigations required discretion, and revealing details prematurely could compromise efforts to track down suspects still at large. "They didn't do that because they understood very well that it was important for National Security to continue with their work. "They are in pursuit of some other individuals who are on the run; those in their custody are giving them useful clues. "If they wanted to know how far the investigation has gone, they could have explored the privileges at their disposal. "They didn't do that.
They expect us to come out, open up to the public so that the criminals would manage to escape." Agalga assured the public that updates would be provided when it is appropriate, stressing that the ministers responsible will offer a comprehensive briefing in due time. "We won't do that for now.
