PKR president Anwar Ibrahim's bid to seek a judicial review on the emergency declaration does not concern the actions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, clarified a PKR lawmaker.
The challenge, noted Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, focused on the federal government's advice to the monarch on the matter.
“The lawsuit is hence against the government and not the institution of the monarchy. Several other public figures have also filed lawsuits in regard to the current emergency,” he tweeted.
Therefore, the Setiawangsa MP described the police investigation against Anwar as “unjustified and unwarranted”.
Furthermore, Nik Nazmi pointed out that the Port Dickson MP's judicial review attempt mirrored the challenge PAS had pursued in relation to the 1977 emergency declaration in Kelantan.
“As such, the court should be allowed to determine the merit of his legal arguments without interference from any other party.
“As a citizen of Malaysia, Anwar has a right to seek legal redress for any wrongs he believes have occurred in the public sphere.
“Using the police to investigate and intimidate a serving MP and leader of the opposition exercising his duty as check and balance of the government runs counter to the principles of democracy.
“This remains even during a state of emergency,” he added.
'The investigation cannot be justified'
As such, Nik Nazmi said the investigation cannot be justified and must be dropped.
On Jan 27, it was reported that Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID)’s special investigation unit was probing Anwar over the matter after a report was lodged against him.
Earlier, Anwar had urged all MPs to write to the Agong to plead with His Majesty to rescind the emergency and call for a Parliament sitting as soon as possible.
The government has maintained that the emergency is pivotal in combating the Covid-19 pandemic, which has witnessed a sharp spike in recent months. However, critics claim the move is politically motivated.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that electoral watchdog Bersih and six other NGOs have hauled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to court over the emergency declaration.
Lawyer Edmund Bon, on behalf of the seven NGOs, filed the originating summons at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.
The other plaintiffs were Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Aliran, the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), Pergerakan Tenaga Akademik Malaysia (Gerak), and Save Rivers. - Mkini
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