Zaid Ibrahim has questioned to what extent the Attorney-General (AG) or the public prosecutor should have unlimited powers to impose or drop charges.
The former minister cited the discharge amounting to an acquittal (DAA) granted to KK Mart founder Chai Kee Kan, his wife Loh Siew Mui, and three directors of Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd, regarding the socks bearing the word Allah, as an example of such powers.
Yesterday, the Shah Alam Sessions Court fined KK Mart and the socks supplier RM60,000 each over the socks bearing the word Allah scandal.
The decision came after the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) agreed with the accused's letter of representation. The prosecution team applied for the withdrawal of charges via a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA), but the criminal court agreed to a DAA instead after the defence team argued for it.
Taking to X, Zaid questioned why the AG withdrew the charges if there was insufficient evidence to begin with.
“Of course, the AG and those working under him are honourable and upright lawyers. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be in the position.
“They would never think of abusing their powers. Even if there is pressure from top politicians, they would gallantly resist it,” he said.
Umno; how does it feel?
— Zaid Ibrahim (@zaidibrahim) July 16, 2024
The fiery KK Mart stocking episode has https://t.co/x2Y4DSQjjx has used his powers not to proceed with the main charges( DNA). Apparently, after reviewing the evidence, AG acted swiftly to withdraw the charges
Sure, there were fines imposed on some…
Powerful office
He added that the AG or prosecutor’s office is a powerful one which can choose who to charge and not to. Yet, the powers can’t be questioned even if it is abused, Zaid lamented.
“Are we satisfied with this arrangement, in which the public prosecutor has limitless powers that are totally beyond anyone’s control?"
Zaid further asked how Umno, who had been vocal regarding the socks issue, felt about the issue.
“What does our institutional and law reform minister (Umno’s Azalina Othman Said) think about this? Can she stand up in Parliament and offer a solution?
“After all, the Madani leadership is totally against abuse of power,” Zaid quipped.
He also questioned whether there are any measures in place to ensure only upright lawyers are employed in the AGC and to ensure they remain free from undue pressure or temptation from politicians. - Mkini
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