End talk about Zahid's DNAA by explaining it in Parliament, Pakatan backbencher tells PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should put an end to talk surrounding the outcome of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's graft case by giving an explanation in Parliament, says a backbencher.

Outspoken Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) said he had personally spoken to the Prime Minister on matters concerning the independence of the judiciary and enforcement agencies.

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"But to be fair to the Opposition and backbenchers, we want to hear from the Prime Minister himself so that the issue surrounding the DNAA (discharge not amounting to an acquittal) is brought to a full stop here in the Dewan Rakyat," he said when debating the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review on Thursday (Sept 14).

"I request that... he uses the Prime Minister's Question Time to provide some explanation," he added.

On Sept 4, Ahmad Zahid was granted the DNAA on 47 graft charges related to the charitable foundation Yayasan Akalbudi's funds.

The decision drew criticism from several quarters, particularly the Opposition, which claimed political interference.

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On Monday (Sept 11), an attempt by the Opposition for an emergency motion to debate the issue in Parliament was rejected.

Instead, on Tuesday (Sept 12), the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) announced that it will be calling up former attorney general (AG) Tan Sri Idrus Harun and his successor Datuk Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, including Ahmad Zahid's lawyers, to explain the DNAA.

The bipartisan committee, which is in charge of human rights, election and institutional reforms, is expected to table its findings in Parliament in October following the completion of its proceedings.

Meanwhile, Hassan said he initially felt disappointed when the DNAA was granted and even composed a poem about it on the same day.

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However, he said he now felt compelled to defend Anwar who has been "attacked left, right and centre" over the last two days.

"The former AG and his successor must come before the PSSC to provide an explanation.

"They cannot say that they do not want to appear before it as the committee has the right as a body of integrity," he said.

Hassan assured his fellow backbenchers that he would continue to defend Anwar on this issue.

"I will not throw my leader under the bus... (and will continue to) defend him in the Dewan Rakyat," he said.