Speaking up: Hamzah (right) speaking during the Parliament session. Looking on is Johari (left). — Bernama
THE issue of the addendum on Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest is not to be raised during debates in the august Hall, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
Johari made the ruling following heated exchanges from both sides of the floor after Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (PN-Larut) raised the issue during debate, accusing the Prime Minister of committing treason over his silence.
“This is my ruling, owing to Standing Order 36(2) which deals with matters in court and Standing Order 36(7) over the use of the word ‘treason’, I disallow both,” said Johari.
During his motion of thanks on the royal address, Hamzah said the government’s move to allegedly hide the addendum order was “an act of treason” against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“The point is that if someone hides a royal decree, he has acted treacherously against the King and country,” he said.
The Dewan Rakyat erupted following Hamzah’s statement.
Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) disagreed with the Opposition Leader, saying the addendum issue is still being discussed in the courts.
“The accusation (by Hamzah) is too much,” he said.
Dr Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) questioned the basis of Hamzah’s accusations, invoking Standing Order 36(6) which states no MP should impute improper motives to any other member.
“What is the basis of the Opposition Leader’s statement saying that the government has committed treason?” said Taufiq.
Before Johari made the ruling, the Speaker said the matter should be left to the court.
“You (Hamzah) have made your point, it’s enough. Move on to other issues,” he said.
However, Hamzah once again incited similar arguments on the addendum, leading to another shouting match in the Dewan Rakyat.
RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) invoked Standing Order 36(2), saying that the addendum issue is sub judice and should not be discussed in the Dewan Rakyat.
“The Speaker has reminded the Opposition Leader, however, he (Hamzah) has been repeating the issue which is against the Standing Order,” he said.
Earlier, Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar), who is Backbenchers Club chairman and an Umno MP, said they had full trust in the King’s wisdom for any decision towards the jailed former prime minister.
“We will always respect and uphold the King and the royal institution,” he said when debating the same motion.
On Jan 6, Najib succeeded in obtaining leave from the Court of Appeal in his appeal relating to claims of a royal addendum order that would allow him a house arrest.
In a 2-1 majority decision, the appellate court overturned the High Court’s dismissal of Najib’s application for leave to initiate judicial review over the prison time imposed on him in the SRC International Sdn Bhd trial.
Najib filed the application for leave for judicial review on April 1, 2024.
On Jan 13, the government applied for a gag order to prevent public discussion on a supposed addendum that Najib claims allow him to serve the remainder of his SRC International Sdn Bhd prison sentence under house arrest.
