KUALA LUMPUR: Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali has rapped Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for “trying to be the attorney-general” and attempting to explain the conditional discharge granted to deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Rafique said that only the AG himself can decide whether to charge someone or have the proceedings against them withdrawn.
“Enough of the prime minister being the spokesman for the AG. The prime minister has been too busy making statements explaining why the case against Zahid was not continued,” he told reporters outside the Dang Wangi district police headquarters today.
“I advise you: enough of trying to be the AG. Be a prime minister.”
Rafique today gave his statement to the police on his participation in last Saturday’s Selamatkan Malaysia rally, emphasising that the rally was organised in accordance with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
He castigated the police for saying that no application had been made or that they did not know that there was going to be a rally, saying that it “was clear to all the rakyat”.
“Section 9 of the Act outlines the application for any gathering. I fully believe it has been adhered to.
“The need to comply with the Act must be balanced with the need to ensure the people’s right to gather under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution,” he said.
“Don’t be afraid to speak out. A brave government will withstand criticism. What is there to be afraid of from speaking out?
“Our laws protect everyone, whether ministers or members of the public – as long as we speak out within the boundaries of the law. No accusations, cursing or yelling. Do it well.
“Criticism is part of democracy. Constructive criticism is not wrong,” he added. -FMT
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