PETALING JAYA: The presence of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) M. Kulasegaran from DAP at the proceedings for activist Arun Dorasamy, who was recently charged in court has raised public concern over the integrity of the legal system, say four party leaders.
In a joint statement, DAP central executive committee members Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, Young Syefura Othman and Syahredzan Johan, together with Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, said they respected the deputy minister as a party veteran but disagreed with his decision to meet Arun at court during the proceedings.
They said the move had sparked public polemics and heightened scrutiny, particularly given Kulasegaran’s role as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms).
The leaders, while noting Kulasegaran's explanation, said his position required a higher level of sensitivity to public perception, especially on the principle that justice must not only be carried out but must also be seen to be carried out.
"The action has sparked public polemics over the integrity of the country’s legal system.
"We take note of his explanation on this matter; however, his position in the government requires a higher level of sensitivity to public perception, particularly regarding the principle that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.
"We also wish to confirm that there has been no party decision to express any inclination on this issue.
"As such, any act of solidarity towards Arun Doraisamy does not represent DAP’s position.
"In this matter, we are of the view that DAP should adopt a middle-ground approach by upholding the principles of justice, including ‘innocent until proven guilty’, as well as the legitimacy of the legal process, while at the same time avoiding any action that could give rise to perceptions of interference or bias," they said in a statement on Wednesday (March 18).
They then reiterated that maintaining public confidence in the rule of law must remain paramount.
Kulasegaran had earlier denied being present in court when activist Arun was charged at the Jawi Magistrate’s Court in Penang on Tuesday with allegedly stirring racial and religious tensions.
Kulasegaran said he had only briefly met the activist outside the court complex to advise him to place his trust in the legal process.
