12-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Parliamentary Special Committee on Human Rights, Elections, and Institutional Reform is set to convene a hearing to probe the controversial release of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a corruption case. This move comes amid disputes over his release, which does not equate to acquittal. The committee will also summon former Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun and the legal team representing Ahmad Zahid.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that the government did not interfere in Ahmad Zahid’s case and pointed out that it was Idrus Harun who insisted on handling Ahmad Zahid’s application for conditional release before leaving office.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Special Committee on Human Rights, Elections, and Institutional Reform, Leong Cheok Keng, stated that, in addition to Idrus Harun, the following individuals will be summoned to the hearing:
- Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina
- Attorney-General Datuk Amtarullhisham Md Yusoff
- Director-General of the Legal Affairs Division at the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Sri Kairul Anuar
The legal team representing Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid will also participate in the hearing. Leong Cheok Keng revealed that the decision to hold the hearing was made after discussions with the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat (Lower House of Parliament). This move aligns with the calls from non-governmental organizations such as Bersih 2.0, the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), and others, who have urged for investigations into the amendment of the Constitution related to the separation of powers between the Attorney-General and the Public Prosecutor.
In addition to Ahmad Zahid’s case, Leong Cheok Keng stated that the committee would conduct hearings on high-profile court rulings that have garnered significant attention and require further clarification. These cases include:
- The Court of Appeal’s nullification of the notice of appeal by the prosecution team in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) audit report case.
- The High Court’s nullification of four charges related to misappropriation involving RM2.325 billion against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak.
Leong Cheok Keng emphasized that the committee does not question the powers conferred upon the Attorney-General by Article 145 of the Federal Constitution or the integrity of the Attorney-General and officials of the Attorney-General’s Chambers. However, the handling of these three cases has raised concerns about specific interference in the Attorney-General’s Chambers and has created a negative perception regarding high-profile cases with different considerations.
Leong Cheok Keng stated that the committee, in accordance with its powers, has the authority to investigate various agencies, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Legal Affairs Division, the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Election Commission, and any other relevant organizations. The committee hopes that the hearings will allow all relevant parties to provide detailed testimony, assisting the committee in making recommendations for institutional reform efforts to the government.
