KUALA LUMPUR – The Bar Council urged Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to name the individuals who requested him to intervene in their court proceedings.
Bar president A.G. Kalidas in a statement today said those who have approached the prime minister to intervene on their behalf are procuring the commission of a criminal offence.
“The assertion is deeply concerning and, if true, tantamount to the commission of criminal offences, including abuse of power and obstruction of justice.
“It is pertinent to note that the act of obstructing a public servant in the discharge of his or her public functions is a criminal offence under Section 186 of the Penal Code, and the definition of a ‘public servant’ in Section 21 of the same code encompasses judges and officers of the court.
“Pursuant to Section 202 of the Penal Code, it behoves a person who has a reasonable belief that an offence has been committed, to give information in respect of that offence.
Failure to do so is tantamount to an offence.”
The Bar also called for the immediate setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into the claim, as a thorough probe must be made to uncover any attempt to interfere with the justice system.
“This is a matter of critical public importance, and under no circumstances should the independence of our justice system be compromised,” said Kalidas.
“The prime minister’s claim is a serious allegation of attempts to persuade him to break the law and abuse his prime ministerial powers, and these have acute implications on the rule of law and administration of justice in our country.
“The prime minister, therefore, owes a duty to the rakyat, as the leader of the country, to provide a full and frank disclosure of the identities of these parties and bring them to justice.
“If no clear explanation is furnished and no report made, this may give rise to unnecessary speculation or perception concerning the prime minister himself.”
In a live telecast yesterday, Muhyiddin had said he is aware that there are parties who are unhappy with him for not entertaining some of their demands, which includes urging him to intervene in their court proceedings. – The Vibes, August 5, 2021
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