Azhar defends decision to stop Ramkarpal from playing audio

Chan Kok Leong Diyana Ibrahim Chan Kok Leong, Diyana Ibrahim Updated 3 years ago · Published on 22 Jul 2020 12:39PM · 3 Comments

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun says he will revisit the decision of his deputy as it is improper. – The Malaysian Insight pic, July 22, 2020.

AN audio recording allegedly of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin cannot be played in Parliament as it does not fulfil the “best evidence” rule, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun.

In defending the decision of Deputy Speaker Azalina Othman Said to stop the audio from being played in the Dewan Rakyat, Azhar said she probably felt that the recording was not the original and did not fulfil the “best evidence” rule.

“Moreover, there is a rule in the standing orders that says MPs cannot raise issues brought up in the media to find out the veracity of the article.”

He said issues raised in Parliament must be based on facts and not speculation.

Azhar was responding to R.S.N. Rayer’s (Jelutong-PH) query on why Ramkarpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor-PH) yesterday in the House was stopped from playing an audio recording alleged to be of Muhyiddin.

Ramkarpal had said during his speech that he played the audio to confirm if Muhyiddin was on the recording suggesting that MPs could be enticed with plum positions in government-linked companies.

Although the allegation of back-room dealings to entice MPs surfaced at the end of May, neither Muhyiddin nor the Prime Minister’s Office has denied it. Muhyiddin has also not held any press conference since March 11.

“We have also not heard the recording and we want to hear it. Furthermore, there is precedent as Karpal Singh (former Bukit Gelugor MP) had done it before,” said Rayer today.

In 2007, the late Karpal played an audio recording on the alleged corruption in the judiciary.

But Azhar defended Azalina’s decision and said he would not revisit it.

“I saw the proceedings yesterday and found that Azalina has made her ruling. I cannot revisit her ruling as it’s improper to make another ruling. That’s final,” said Azhar.

Azhar and Azalina were appointed on July 13 after PN removed Mohamed Ariff Md Yusof as speaker, leading to Nga Kor Ming resigning as deputy in solidarity with Ariff. – July 22, 2020.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • Silly fellow. What better evidence is there to qualify as "best"?

    Posted 3 years ago by The Rover · Reply

  • Once bought, a piece of Art is best viewed hung.
    Not much good beyond that.

    Posted 3 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

  • The Rakyat has been conned once again. This time from a lawyer who used to criticize BN in his articles. Later elevated to Chairman of Election Commission by PH to oversee electoral reforms which he did not finish. Now switch to Speaker post by the back door PN government. He has shown what his true colour is, another subservient servant willing to do the bidding for a price. Shame on you Art Harun but I fuess you are thick skin to feel anything at all.

    Posted 3 years ago by Mohd Hashim Shaari · Reply