Prosecutorial independence cannot be compromised, Umno tells Jelutong MP

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has strongly asserted that prosecutorial independence must not be compromised and that political pressure cannot replace proper legal and judicial processes.

The statement on Tuesday (Oct 13), issued by Umno Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, comes in response to calls by the Member of Parliament for Jelutong (RSN Rayer) urging the Prime Minister to ensure a specific individual is recharged.

Azalina stressed that the Prime Minister is not the Public Prosecutor, pointing out that Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution vests discretionary power in the Attorney General to initiate, conduct, or discontinue legal proceedings based on law, facts, and evidence rather than political will.

Addressing allegations of selective prosecution, Umno noted that while parties have a right to demand reasonable explanations, differences in case outcomes do not automatically prove political interference or bias.

The Attorney General's Chambers has previously provided justifications regarding discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) and no further action (NFA) decisions, meaning criticisms must be grounded in facts rather than assumptions or political pressure.

Reiterating the party's stance on equality before the law, Umno emphasised that no one should be granted immunity due to their position, while equally ensuring that individuals, including Umno leaders, are entitled to a fair legal process and should not be targeted merely to satisfy political demands.

On the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the Akalbudi Foundation case, Umno noted that the Federal Court has granted leave to appeal against the Court of Appeal's decision allowing the Malaysian Bar to initiate judicial review proceedings.

Asserting that these active proceedings and legal questions must be decided by the courts without political intimidation, Umno maintained that institutional accountability, prosecutorial freedom, and equality under the law must remain steadfastly upheld. - Star