PARLIAMENT | Damansara MP Gobind Singh Deo has suggested calling Kuala Kangsar MP Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid to explain his position in supporting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
This comes after claims by Perikatan Nasional leaders that MACC had intimidated and blackmailed the opposition lawmaker into pledging support for the premier.
“I hear of threats (allegedly made by the MACC). The real question is why are we, as MPs, not taking any action?
“Do we not have the authority to call in the MP who lodged the complaint to come forward with information on what happened? Any parties named can also be called in to explain what happened.
“If the claims hold water, then we take action. We have to find a way to stop this, no matter where the threats may come from.
“During the Perikatan Nasional administration, we heard of these issues, and now with this government, we hear the same claims,” he said during his debate on the Budget Supply Bill 2024 in Dewan Rakyat today.
Gobind (above) cited Section 4 of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 which grants the house powers for enquiring into, judging and pronouncing upon the commission of any acts punishable as contempt under Section 29 of the same Act.
Section 29 of the Act refers to a person who is liable to a penalty or punishment if found of contempt by the house.
On Oct 12, Iskandar voiced support for Anwar's premiership, citing the rising cost of living in his constituency.
He said his decision was also meant to test whether the prime minister was sincere in providing allocation to any MP who supports the unity government’s policies.
Following the declaration, Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin alleged that Iskandar was "intimidated and blackmailed" into supporting Anwar's leadership, or risk facing corruption charges.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki has denied the allegation.
Meanwhile, Utusan Malaysia quoted former Election Commission deputy chairperson Wan Ahmad Wan Omar as saying that PN's allegation was an “assumption” that's not backed with evidence.
Wan Ahmad also said that Iskandar's position as MP was still “safe”, as he would not lose his seat for party hopping.
According to Wan Ahmad, an MP has the right to support anyone, even though their stance contrasts with that of their party.
Bersatu has said that it may not sack Iskandar as of now as the party has yet to discuss its next course of action. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.