PARLIAMENT | Vocal lawmaker Hassan Abdul Karim has expressed concern about the possible ramifications should Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the government succumb to the corrupting effects of power.
Among Hassan's (Pakatan Harapan-Pasir Gudang) concerns was the possibility that the government might engage in selective prosecution.
"The executive has power, the MACC and police are under us.
"So I am concerned that selective prosecution could occur, that political rivals are targeted.
"If there are grounds (for charges and probes) that is fine, but I fear... power can lead to corruption and when power is absolute, the corruption is absolute," he said while debating the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Hassan (above) was commenting on investigations and charges being carried out against opposition leaders.
Two Bersatu leaders were charged with corruption today, while Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin is also under probe.
Anwar had previously assured that authorities would not engage in selective prosecution, a point he reiterated this morning when saying that even those from his party PKR would be held responsible.
Reminders needed
Hassan in his speech said he assumed in good faith that Anwar has the integrity and commitment to fight corruption.
"However, a reminder has to be made, because the prime minister is also the finance minister.
"I hold no prejudice, but it's worth noting... the prime minister has broad and extensive powers," the PKR parliamentarian added.
Hassan cited for example, how under the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong acts on the prime minister and government's advice - except on a few matters where the king has discretion.
Repeating the mantra “absolute power corrupts absolutely”, Hassan also pointed out that the 1MDB scandal occurred when Najib Abdul Razak was both prime minister and finance minister.
He indicated it would be better for these two portfolios to be separate.
Hassan - a staunch supporter of Anwar - has been a critical voice from within the government, speaking out on issues such as when the premier appointed his daughter Nurul Izzah as his adviser.
However, he had also praised the premier for initiating action on the Pandora Papers leak. - Mkini
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