PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional MPs will not support Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s call for the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the controversy surrounding judicial appointments.
Perikatan chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed that several MPs from the coalition had received a letter from the Pandan MP on July 9, urging them to support his call to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary.
Takiyuddin said while Perikatan MPs respect Rafizi’s stance, particularly his emphasis on the Prime Minister’s exclusive authority in judicial appointments, which mirrors the Opposition’s position, they do not agree with the proposal to establish an RCI.
He said that the idea of forming an RCI would not be effective, as its establishment lies at the discretion of the Prime Minister, who would also be responsible for advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the matter.
Takiyuddin also said the lawmakers’ position is consistent with the views expressed by Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who stated that the Opposition does not have confidence that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will agree to the formation of an RCI that would investigate his own role in the matter.
Furthermore, such a move would require approval from the Cabinet, which is chaired by the Prime Minister himself, he added.
“Therefore, Perikatan MPs will not support Rafizi’s proposal or related calls on this issue. However, we will assess any matters raised by the Pandan MP during the upcoming Parliament sitting, which begins on July 21,” he said.
