Let the law take its course, Dr Mahathir's lawyer tells Rayer

Lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali has urged Jelutong MP RSN Rayer to allow the investigation of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to run its course.

Rafique, who is Mahathir’s lawyer, criticised Rayer, stating his remarks directly conflicted with his role as a lawyer and undermined the principles of the rule of law.

“The rule of law indicates that one is innocent until proven guilty.

“Mahathir has fully cooperated and even has had his statement taken by the police.

“Why is Jelutong (Rayer) hiding behind parliamentary privilege and hitting Mahathir below the belt?

“As a lawyer, indeed, Jelutong should recognise that the law must take its course,” he told Malaysiakini.

Yesterday, the Jelutong MP called the government to consider revoking Mahathir’s “Tun” title if he continued his attacks against the royal institution.

He also told Dewan Rakyat that the police should not hold back their investigation against the former Langkawi MP.

On June 2, Malaysiakini reported that police questioned Mahathir regarding statements containing contempt towards the royal institution.

Rafique said Mahathir was questioned about a video that purportedly showed the 97-year-old speaking at a private function.

In the video, Mahathir allegedly remarked that the Malays cannot rely on the rulers to protect them and purportedly divulged that he has no respect for the rulers.

At the same time, Mahathir was also questioned under Section 124B of the Penal Code for alleged activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

Rafique described the questioning as “intimidation” and revealed that six police reports were lodged against the “Malay Proclamation”.

“It is rich coming from an MP-cum-lawyer to police someone's right to express views and freedom of speech - what more from a government bloc which prides itself in being reformist.

“Shame on you, Jelutong, for forsaking your lawyerly instincts,” Rafique concluded. - Mkini