Talk with coalition govt leadership first, DAP leader tells Muda

 

Muda should discuss with the leadership of the coalition government before making any decision on its support for the latter, said DAP vice-chairperson Nga Kor Ming.

He was commenting on Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman's threat to withdraw support for the coalition government, following the discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) given to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi corruption case.

"Syed Saddiq is an MP who supports the government and he has to discuss with the leadership (of the coalition government). That is more professional," Utusan Malaysia quoted Nga telling a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

He stressed that DAP would never withdraw its support for the coalition government despite the brouhaha surrounding the DNAA.

"DAP is a loyal party and will remain steadfast to its struggles," he said.

Idrus should explain

Asked to comment on the DNAA, Nga said it is up to former attorney-general Idrus Harus to give a detailed explanation.

"I think the former AG should be answerable. Everyone needs to understand that under Article 145 (3) of the Federal Constitution, the AG has the absolute power and discretion to prosecute, withdraw prosecution or take any decision regarding criminal cases.

"The police are empowered to investigate but it is the AG who prosecutes. Therefore, it is Idrus who should answer," said the local government development minister.

Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman

On Tuesday, Syed Saddiq urged the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) to provide a detailed explanation of its decision to grant a DNAA to Zahid. Failure to do so may cause his party to re-evaluate its position in the coalition government, he said.

The Anwar Ibrahim administration had come to power in November last year with 148 MPs on the government bench - just enough for a two-thirds majority that should, in theory, allow the government to amend the Federal Constitution. The 148 included Syed Saddiq, who is the Muar MP.

At present, however, the government has 147 MPs after the Pulai seat fell vacant following the death of Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub.

If Amanah wins back the Pulai seat on Saturday, this would give the government 148 MPs again.

However, if Muda goes through with its threat, the government will be back to 147 MPs. - Mkini