DEPUTY Federal Territories Minister Edmund Santhara has rubbished claims he was embroiled in an argument with Batu MP P. Parbakaran before the latter was arrested by police yesterday.

He said Prabakaran had entered the command centre in Selayang, which was under the enhanced movement-control order (EMCO) and where different agencies were discussing sensitive data, Malaysiakini reported.

Edmund said only those with clearance such as ministers, deputy ministers, National Security Council officers, police and Armed Forces can be present at the meeting.

“(At the time), YB (Prabakaran) opened the door and entered. Since I had not concluded the meeting and had not met with those from the Social Welfare Department, I asked him to wait outside.

“YB then raised his voiced, so I replied, ‘Can YB wait outside and let me finish the meeting?’ Is this an argument?” Edmund was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini.

Edmund said Prabakaran should not have uploaded a video on the incident as there are numerous witnesses to corroborate his version of events at the command centre.

Prabakaran had uploaded a video claiming he was chased out of the command centre.

Edmund said he has no intention of lodging a police report or taking legal action against Prabakaran, but added he was seeking advice from his lawyers.

He said Prabakaran’s Facebook video appeared to be slanderous and confusing. 

“During the MCO, I feel the government and opposition should be united to serve the people,” he said.

Pabakaran was arrested after he went to check on his constituents at the Seri Murni Apartment in Selayang, which was placed under EMCO.

It was reported that Prabakaran was detained by police at the scene after he had gotten into an argument with Santhara.

The Batu MP was released on police bail at 9pm, four hours after he was taken to the Sentul district police headquarters.

Prabakaran is now being investigated for violating the MCO and obstucting a civil servant from carrying out his duties. He faces a two-year jail sentence, a fine of RM10,000, or both, upon conviction. – April 21, 2020.