HOME Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today mocked his predecessor Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for not understanding the rule of law.

“I am surprised that Zahid Hamidi does not understand the country’s legal system, a former deputy prime minister, a good friend of mine who doesn’t respect the decision of the court,” Muhyiddin told reporters on the campaign trail of the Tanjung Piai by-election.

Zahid, the home minister and deputy prime minister under the previous Barisan Nasional government, had yesterday questioned a court in Johor Baru that acquitted a salesperson on charges of running down and killing eight teenagers who were riding modified bicycles at 3am on a dark, hilly road in Johor Baru two years ago.

Zahid had implied that the court’s release of the salesperson was an example of how the rule of law had deteriorated under the Pakatan Harapan government.

The Umno president had made the remark at a BN ceramah for the Tanjung Piai parliamentary seat.

Zahid had said: “When eight kids riding their bicycles in Johor were killed by a woman, that woman was freed as if there was no proof. The kids have been killed. This is a government of double standards.”

Muhyiddin, however, said the case went through the proper legal process and those who were unsatisfied with the ruling should appeal the decision. 

“If there are people who sympathise, then bring a lawyer to the court and use the appeals process,” Muhyiddin said. 

“If we win or not, we cannot force the court to make a decision because Malaysia uses the rule of law.”

The judge had ruled that the salesperson, a Chinese woman, had taken all precautions when driving and did not require her to enter her defence.

The acquittal has led to some racist comments on social media, as the PH government fights off criticism that it has let down Malay-Muslims.

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh said Zahid should be cited for contempt of court. 

“The former home minister has scandalised and offended the dignity, impartiality and integrity of the court,” Ramkarpal said in a statement today.

“This is a serious allegation and goes beyond fair criticism of the decision of the said Magistrate as such criticism can cause the public to feel that she was biased and had taken into consideration matters which ought not to have been, when deciding the matter.”

Ramkarpal added that Zahid’s remarks should not escape the law and urged the attorney-general or the magistrate to initiate contempt proceedings against him.

“(Otherwise) such reckless statements and comments may become a norm, something which must be avoided.” – November 7, 2019.