Uproar in Parliament over misappropriation allegations about Mitra funds

KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun was forced to quell uproar in Parliament over the alleged misappropriation of the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) fund.

The incident happened on Wednesday. (Nov 17) when RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) stood up to question Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon over why National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique was allowed to avoid answering questions over ongoing investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into the case on Wednesday. (Nov 17)

"Will this set a precedent in the future where ministers can refuse to answer questions involving corruption and abuse of power by hiding behind the MACC?," he said, adding that he wanted a ruling on the matter.

Mohd Rashid explained the minister had already clarified why she was advised not to divulge details of the case as MACC investigations were still ongoing.

However, several Opposition MPs including Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson) began questioning Mohd Rashid over his handling of the issue.

"If this is the precedent, then this is very dangerous as it will mean that the problem of corruption or scandals cannot be discussed in the House by saying that they are under investigations or under court proceedings.

"If there is no explanation given, it will make a mockery of the House," Anwar said.

Mohd Rashid continued to be badgered by several opposition MPs although he attempted to proceed ministerial replies on Budget 2022.

On Wednesday, Rayer and Halimah got into a verbal spat over alleged abuses involving the Mitra fund.

Halimah told Rayer that she was advised by the MACC not to divulge details of the case to avoid prejudicing ongoing investigations.

Last month, the MACC arrested 16 company directors in a large-scale operation across Klang Valley to assist in investigations of alleged misappropriation of the Mitra fund.

However, things cooled down in the House after Azhar took over the chair.

He explained neither him nor Mohd Rashid had the power to compel a minister to answer a question in the House.

He said that there were no rules under Parliament's Standing Order that empowers the Speaker to insist a minister to answer a question.

"This is very clear and it is not my rule.

"This is based on Erskine May (the authority on parliamentary procedures) which is often quoted by YBs themselves," he added.

He noted that if a minister refused to answer a question in Parliament, then it would become a political issue which is to be debated in the political arena and not in the House.