KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has promised stern action against two Perikatan Nasional MPs who allegedly tried to influence Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan to support the government. Johari made the statement in response to Wan Saiful’s claim on March 21 that MPs Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (PN-Gua Musang) and Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang) attempted to sway his allegiance.
Mohd Azizi and Dr Zulkafperi have both filed motions to refer Wan Saiful to the Rights and Privileges Committee, refuting the allegations and categorizing them as defamatory. Johari mentioned that he will review the Hansard record before deciding on the necessary course of action against those found at fault, be it Wan Saiful or Mohd Azizi and Dr Zulkafperi.
“After examining the Hansard minutes regarding Tasek Gelugor’s statements, I believe the remarks made by both MPs, the prime minister, and the government were significant,” he stated. “Despite not being a court, we operate according to the guidelines of the Standing Orders and the Federal Constitution, necessitating a resolution.”
He emphasized the gravity of the accusations, linking them to the integrity and credibility of the involved MPs, the prime minister, and Parliament as a whole. Johari outlined two potential actions: seeking clarification from the parties involved and referring them to the Rights and Privileges Committee, or establishing a new committee as per Standing Orders 80A.
“The consequences could be severe as I have repeatedly warned against engaging in political matters outside the House,” he remarked. “We are reminded not to engage in political games during our time here.”
He mentioned that there are established procedures to address the issue, with three days remaining before the Dewan Rakyat session concludes. Johari revealed that he has contacted Tasek Gelugor to gather more information and intends to reach out to Tanjong Karang and Gua Musang for further steps.
“If found guilty, the two YBs will be referred to the committee,” he informed the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (March 25). Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) supported Wan Saiful’s official complaint in the House, advocating for an investigation.
At a press conference, Zulkafperi reiterated his denial of Wan Saiful’s allegations, asserting that there were no offers made to the Tasek Gelugor MP. He claimed that Wan Saiful had presented demands as conditions for supporting Anwar as PM, including parliamentary allocations, a RM2 million project, payment for his wife’s medical expenses, legal fees, and dropping ongoing legal cases.
“The dialogue with me and Azizi revolved around his demands for clarification and assurance, rather than any attempts to entice him,” Zulkafperi stated. “However, since we couldn’t fulfill his requests, he accused us of trying to influence him.”
Zulkafperi asserted that Wan Saiful’s accusations were baseless, leading him and Mohd Azizi to refer Wan Saiful to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee. Mohd Azizi subsequently dismissed Wan Saiful’s claims as slanderous, stating they had no prior contact except for official Perikatan events.
“The encounter at the hotel in January was unplanned by me, and I simply shared that I received the same allocations as other backbench MPs,” Mohd Azizi clarified.
