Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan. -filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition lawmaker accused Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said of misleading the Dewan Rakyat over issues linked to Datuk Seri Najib Razak's alleged addendum.
Citing Standing Order 36(12), Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who read out the Hansard on the Nov 6 proceeding, said that the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) had said the Attorney General (AG) does not report to the minister in charge of the law.
Takiyuddin had on Nov 6, asked Azalina if the alleged addendum on house arrest linked with Najib’s partial pardon actually existed.
“The minister had said that this case (addendum) falls under the Federal Territories Minister’s purview.
“I think it is public knowledge that a statement on the matter dated Feb 2 was issued by the secretariat of the Federal Territories Pardons Board and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Legal Affairs division.
“She has misled the house and this is a contempt to proceedings,” said Takiyuddin before ministerial winding up on the Supply Bill 2025 began in Parliament on Monday (Nov 11).
Standing Order 36(12) states that any members who represent statements to mislead the Dewan Rakyat are deemed to be in contempt of the House and may be referred to the committee of privileges for the offence.
Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who was chairing the then proceedings, advised Takiyuddin to write to him over the matter.
“Write to me and mention what you want to quote and what are your intentions. I will process it,” said Johari.
Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) said Standing Order 36(12) is a serious matter and advised Johari not to cite Azalina to the Rights and Privileges Committee, as it could be deemed as too heavy.
“The Speaker can call the minister to make an explanation in the House. It is a friendlier and shorter process,” added Ronald.
Johari agreed and said he needed to look at the facts of the issue before making a decision.
“After looking at the facts, I will advise the minister accordingly, whether they need to come here to clarify or just write in to me,” added Johari.
Last Wednesday (Nov 6), tensions flared in the Dewan Rakyat when Takiyuddin questioned whether the alleged addendum on house arrest linked to Najib’s partial pardon actually existed.
Azalina said she is not responsible for the proposed House Arrest Bill and only the Home Ministry can answer on the matter, advising Takiyuddin to direct his question to the Home Minister.
Takiyuddin then said the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) falls under Azalina’s purview, to which she hit back, chiding the Kota Bharu MP.
“As the former law minister, are you saying that the AG reports to you? Is that what you are assuming?” she asked.
Azalina said as the minister in charge of law, she is not involved with the appointment of the AG, does not go through his files, nor is she involved in the Pardons Board, which the Federal Territories Minister is part of.
The Court of Appeal has set Dec 5 to hear Najib’s appeal over the dismissal of his leave application for a judicial review regarding the alleged addendum on house arrest.
