PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) has accused Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of abuse of power for rejecting the call to debate Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) over 47 graft charges.

In a statement, its chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan said Anwar had no power to approve or to reject the motion although the Tambun MP is head of parliament.

“The prime minister’s decision to reject the motion to debate Zahid’s DNAA in parliament is an abuse of power and is against the law.”

“The PM is indeed (parliament) chief of council, but he has no power to decide on a motion based on the standing order. The decision to accept or to reject a motion can only be done by the speaker.

“It’s clear here the PM has gone beyond his power and function as chief of council,” said Takiyuddin.

PKR youth, through its vice-chief Atyrah Hanim Razali, recently urged a parliament sitting be held to discuss the Umno president’s DNAA.

Atyrah Hanim reportedly said the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) should be given a time frame to find new evidence to prosecute Zahid again, and the retrial should be conducted immediately if the unity government wants to maintain credibility.

Responding to Atyrah, Anwar said parliament cannot be turned into a courtroom to discuss the decision by judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah regarding Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister.

Anwar said the government has no objection to any MP asking about the case during normal Dewan Rakyat sessions, but parliament sittings should not be turned into court sessions.

Takiyuddin said the matter is no longer a court case, so it is important for parliament to discuss it on the basis of public interest.

“The matter is no longer sub judice as the verdict is out, therefore it should be debated in parliament as it is a matter of public interest. It concerns integrity after many quarters have questioned the decision to temporarily free Zahid.

“(And) to say the AG is not a minister or an MP to reject the debate cannot be accepted. As former opposition leader, the PM made similar calls for court cases such as the (1Malaysia Development Bhd) trial to be debated in parliament.

“PN calls on parliament speaker to make a respected ruling on this matter based on existing regulations and laws in a fair and just manner without fear or favour and without succumbing to pressure from any party, including the government,” urged the Kota Bharu MP. – September 10, 2023.