KUALA LUMPUR: According to a backbencher, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should address the outcome of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s graft case in Parliament, in order to put an end to the ongoing discussion. Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) stated that he had discussed matters concerning the independence of the judiciary and enforcement agencies with the Prime Minister himself.
He further added that to provide fairness to the Opposition and backbenchers, it is essential for the Prime Minister to explain the DNAA (discharge not amounting to an acquittal) issue during the Dewan Rakyat session. Hassan Abdul Karim urged the Prime Minister to utilize the Prime Minister’s Question Time for this purpose.
On September 4, Ahmad Zahid was granted the DNAA on 47 graft charges related to Yayasan Akalbudi’s funds. This decision faced criticism, with the Opposition claiming political interference.
The Opposition’s attempt for an emergency motion to discuss this issue in Parliament was rejected on September 11. However, the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) has decided to call former attorney general (AG) Tan Sri Idrus Harun and his successor Datuk Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, as well as Ahmad Zahid’s lawyers, to explain the DNAA. The PSSC, responsible for human rights, election, and institutional reforms, plans to present its findings in Parliament in October after the completion of its proceedings.
Regarding the DNAA, Hassan initially felt disappointed and even wrote a poem about it on the same day. However, he now feels the need to defend Anwar Ibrahim, who has been facing relentless attacks in the last two days. According to Hassan, both the former AG and his successor should be accountable to the PSSC and provide an explanation. He emphasized that the committee has the right to summon them as a body of integrity.
Hassan assured fellow backbenchers that he will continue to defend Anwar in the Dewan Rakyat and not abandon his leader during this issue.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
