PKR MP walked in during 'sensitive data' meeting, says deputy minister

CORONAVIRUS | Federal Territories Deputy Minister Edmund Santhara denied PKR lawmaker P Prabakaran's claim that the two were embroiled in an argument yesterday, following which the latter was detained.

Santhara (above) explained that he was holding a meeting regarding sensitive data at the command centre in the Taman Sri Murni area in Selayang, which is under an enhanced movement control order (MCO), when the incident happened.

“Only the deputy minister, representatives of the national security council (NSC), police and armed forces who have taken an oath of secrecy (could be present at the meeting).

“(At the time), YB (Prabakaran) opened the door and entered. Since I had not concluded the meeting and had not met with those from the welfare department, I asked him to wait outside.

“YB then raised his voiced, so I replied, 'Can YB wait outside and let me finish the meeting'. Is this an argument?' he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Santhara said it was irresponsible of Prabakaran (photo) to upload a video of the incident and there are numerous witnesses who can corroborate his version of the incident.

At this point, the deputy minister said he has no intention of lodging a police report or taking legal action against the Batu MP.

“I am seeking advice from my lawyers.

“The Facebook video appears to be slanderous and confusing. During the MCO, I feel that those from the government and opposition should be united to serve the people,” he added.

NSC official: No authorisation letter issued

Meanwhile, an NSC official, who declined to be named, denied Prabakaran's claim that he was issued with an authorisation letter to be at the enhanced MCO area.

“I had asked the YB to produce the letter but he remained quiet. We (NSC) confirm that we did not issue the written authorisation letter,” the official told the same press conference.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim (photo), who was also present, confirmed that the MP was arrested under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

“We will also investigate the claim that he did not have an authorisation letter,” he added.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that police officers had escorted Prabakaran from the command centre to the Sentul district police headquarters. 

After being released on police bail, the MP said he went to the area to check on the residents as many complained they had not yet received aid from the Social Welfare Department. 

"I was not trying to be a hero, Superman or Spiderman. I just wanted to do my job as an MP," he added. - Mkini