MPs do not have absolute immunity

Dewan Negara President says action can be taken against MPs for sensitive or seditious statements with a political agenda.

KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Negara president Abu Zahar Ujang today cautioned members of parliament that they do not have absolute immunity in the Dewan Rakyat or Dewan Negara.

He said action could be taken against them for sensitive or seditious statements.

“MPs must respect the law that they themselves were involved in approving. As MPs it is shameful if they don’t read and understand the law,” he told reporters yesterday.

He was commenting on Nurul Izzah Anwar’s (PKR-Lembah Pantai) detention for her alleged sensitive statement relating to the country’s judicial system at the

Dewan Rakyat last week.

“As Dewan Negara president, I always encourage and give every MP the opportunity to speak, but not on matters with a political agenda or which can confuse the people.

“Section 36(8) forbids MPs to touch on the conduct or attitude of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malay rulers, Heads of State, judges or the judiciary, or Armed Forces Council,” he reiterated.

- BERNAMA