Key Takeaways
- Sharangan Maheswaran, a Labor councillor, expressed concern over potential Icac inquiry.
- He wrote 'Oh shit' and requested an invoice for a lunch with Dominic Perrottet.
- The incident arose from an MP's speech leading to allegations.
Sharangan Maheswaran, a Labor councillor, expressed significant concern over potential testimony to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) following an incident at a 2021 Liberal fundraiser, according to texts heard by the commission.
In a candid exchange, Maheswaran wrote, 'Oh shit, did he touch on me?' to a colleague, indicating his awareness of the potential implications of the event.
Maheswaran further requested an invoice for a lunch meeting with Dominic Perrottet, the then Liberal premier, suggesting he was preparing for a possible inquiry.
The texts emerged during a hearing where the Icac was investigating allegations that were prompted by an incendiary speech by a New South Wales (NSW) MP.
The incident highlights the sensitive nature of political fundraising and the potential for such events to attract scrutiny from anti-corruption bodies.
Maheswaran's concern was palpable, as he sought to prepare for what could be a challenging situation, indicating that his presence at the fundraiser was a matter of concern.
The texts provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes anxiety and preparation that can accompany political events, especially those involving high-profile figures.
The Icac's investigation into the incident underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in political fundraising, ensuring that all parties involved are aware of the potential consequences of their actions.
