Perikatan Nasional has strongly condemned the alleged intimidation of Hulu Kelang assemblyperson Azmin Ali over his speech at the Selangor state assembly in March.
Opposition whip Takiyuddin Hassan described Azmin's summoning under Section 111 of the Criminal Procedure Code to have his statement recorded at the Shah Alam district police headquarters today as draconian.
"It is a practice in any mature democracy around the world that all MPs and assemblypersons have immunity and protection from any criminal prosecution or civil action against what they say in the dewan, as long as they’re not against the standing order.
"This immunity is lined up under Article 63 of the Federal Constitution, and state constitutions, particularly Sections 2 and 3 of the Selangor state constitution 1959," Takiyuddin (above) said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported Azmin challenging the police calling him in to give a statement about the speech he made.
The Selangor state opposition leader also instructed his lawyer to file an application in the Shah Alam High Court for a judicial review of the police's action and their decision to issue the notice.
Previously, Azmin reportedly asked the state government during a state assembly debate to explain the Selangor State Development Corporation’s (PKNS) sale of PJ Sentral development rights - which is expected to yield an RM1.04 billion return - to Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) for RM270 million.
Azmin also cited a report in The Edge on Feb 29 that property developer Tropicana Corporation Bhd had acquired a leasehold land in Kota Damansara for RM224 million.
However, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, who is also the PKNS chairperson, dismissed the allegations that PKNS’ finances are performing poorly and is saddled with an RM5.7 billion debt.
Instead, he said PKNS’ financial position is good and is still generating profits from its core operations.
Afraid of own shadow
Takiyuddin said a precedent of lawmakers' immunity was set in a 2014 Federal Court decision involving the Dewan Rakyat speaker and others vs Gobind Singh Deo, who was then Puchong MP.
The PAS secretary-general also said an elected representative's "heavy responsibility" should be carried out without disruptions or undue influence.
"(In this case), Azmin, as an assemblyperson and state opposition leader, raised a few issues about the state administration's management of PKNS, which is chaired by the Selangor menteri besar.
"He was called up by the police over the issue. I see this (Azmin's summoning), which seems to be 'indirectly blessed' by the Madani government, is not only against democratic practices but also the Federal Constitution and Selangor state constitution.
"It is a cowardly and desperate act to cover up the issues raised about the administration. The Madani government seems afraid of its own shadow and has resorted to taking draconian steps to silence its critics and hush freedom of speech, rather than engaging in a healthy and professional discourse," Takiyuddin added.
He urged for an immediate cease of the "intimidation" against Azmin. - Mkini
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