Kuala Kangsar MP should explain why he pledged support for PM, says Gobind

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Kangsar Parliamentarian Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid should explain his reason for pledging support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says Gobind Singh Deo.

The Damansara MP questioned the MP for not lodging any report against claims by Perikatan Nasional leaders that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) intimidated and blackmailed the MP into supporting the unity government.

"We have the authority to call the lawmaker who lodged the complaint and explain what happened," he said in his speech during the debate of the Budget Supply Bill 2024 at Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 16).

"According to Section 4 of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952, which grants the house powers for enquiring into, judging and pronouncing upon the commission of any acts punishable as contempt under Section 29 of the same Act.

"Section 29 of the Act refers to a person who is liable to a penalty or punishment if found of contempt by the house," he added.

Gobind said a mechanism should be implemented to allow for action to be taken if the claims by the lawmaker were valid.

"The issue is not new, as we have heard of similar issues during the Perikatan administration and with the current government, there are the same claims.

"When there is a mechanism, we can follow through and resolve the issue not only for the public but also for the lawmakers to serve for the next five years," he said.

On Oct 12, Iskandar Dzulkarnain declared support for the Prime Minister, saying the move was to ease the burden faced by his constituents over the rising cost of living.

Iskandar Dzulkarnain, who voiced his loyalty to Bersatu, also claimed that the Prime Minister had said the allocation would be channelled to lawmakers supporting the unity government’s policies.

Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin claimed that Iskandar had been intimidated and threatened to support Anwar.