KUALA LUMPUR – An opposition lawmaker today demanded answers from Dewan Rakyat on whether convicted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (Pekan-BN) is still being paid an MP’s allowances following his incarceration.
R. S. N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH) said that while the speaker, Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun, had confirmed that Najib can still attend Parliament sittings provided he obtains the Prison Department’s approval, matters concerning his emolument as lawmaker have yet to be addressed.
‘On Monday, the speaker announced that Pekan is allowed to attend Dewan Rakyat proceedings. However, there was no announcement on whether he is still given his allowances as MP.
“My question is, is the government still paying for this?” the DAP lawmaker asked today.
Two days ago, Azhar told the house that Najib had to obtain permission from the Prison Department to attend Dewan Rakyat, and not from him as the speaker.
He said Parliament has no control over MPs’ attendance, adding that Najib is presently under the custody of the Prison Department.
Rayer also wanted to know if the medical treatments accorded to Najib at the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH) are part of the perks of being an MP.
This is in reference to Najib’s admission to CRH on September 11 for further treatment and observation following issues with his blood pressure.
He was later cleared for discharge on September 23.
“I’m asking this because many others in prison were not even allowed to visit their parents in the event of a death. Some of them were only remanded, in fact. So, how was Pekan accorded these privileges?”
Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, who was chairing the House, then told Rayer to write to the Speaker’s Office for formal clarification on the matters raised.
Rayer subsequently asked if speculation that Barisan Nasional plans to grant a full pardon to Najib after the general election if it forms the government, is true.
To this, Rashid said he was not able to confirm the matter as it is beyond his knowledge.
Najib began his 12-year prison sentence following the apex court’s decision to uphold the guilty verdict in his SRC International Sdn Bhd corruption case. - The Vibes, October 5, 2022
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