KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional parliamentary whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru-PN) spent his entire allocated time to debate the royal address in Parliament accusing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH) of hypocrisy in the latter’s fight against corruption.
Citing several news reports which highlighted the Pakatan Harapan chairman’s previous pledges to uphold good governance if voters cast their ballot for him during the 15th general election, Takiyuddin took issue with Anwar’s choice of cabinet ministers, particularly his deputy prime minister.
“Unfortunately, the excitement incited by (Anwar’s) vows (to not appoint those involved in ongoing court cases to be part of his government) was apparently dashed when he ended up doing the exact opposite.
“He appointed those who have been charged in court to be part of his cabinet. This is a very serious issue,” he said, referring to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Bagan Datuk-BN), who is currently facing graft charges for criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
In response to the former law minister citing news reports of Zahid’s case in court, R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH) cited Standing Order 36(2), accusing the PAS secretary-general of violating the rule of sub-judice.
“You (Takiyuddin) are a lawyer, you should know that you cannot speak about matters that are still being deliberated in court,” Rayer said, urging Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani to take action against Takiyuddin.
While government backbenchers were heard calling for Rayer to take his seat and stop talking over Takiyuddin, the latter appeared undeterred by the former’s complaints, explaining that he is only referring to news reports of the ongoing trial, not merits of the case.
He also pointed to Standing Order 37, which states that no member shall interrupt another member except to raise a point of order or to seek clarification on matters raised, before continuing his tirade against Zahid’s appointment.
“It’s true that everyone is innocent until proven guilty by the courts, but fairness must also be given to the prosecution and courts so that they can carry out their duty without fear or favour.
“A standing deputy prime minister facing a court case is a backwards situation for our judicial officers,” he said.
Once Takiyuddin’s speech had ended, Johari ruled that he had not violated any rules of Parliament, saying: “What he (Takiyuddin) stated are facts… case closed.” – The Vibes, February 21, 2023
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