KUALA LUMPUR – Batu Gajah MP V. Sivakumar has asserted that Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim should be referred to the Dewan Rakyat’s House Committee on Rights and Privileges if he continues to disseminate misleading allegations concerning an alleged cash discovery at the residence of a former DAP minister.
Awang claimed yesterday that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) reported a sum of RM94 million in cash was discovered at the home of a former human resources minister from DAP, citing an “official statement” supposedly issued by the anti-graft agency.
In response, the MACC issued a statement firmly denying Awang’s assertions and clarified that its chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, had not made any comments regarding the alleged cash found at the former minister’s residence.
Sivakumar, who previously served as a human resources minister before being removed from the Cabinet last December, expressed disappointment and offence at Awang’s remarks, questioning whether the PAS lawmaker possessed any credible evidence to support his claim.
“The accusations made by Yang Berhormat Pendang (Awang) were baseless and I firmly deny the claims on the discovery of the cash in the residence of a former minister.
“He made such claims despite being pressed by Yang Berhormat Jelutong (RSN Rayer) to name the former minister, which he did not.
“This accusation is clearly politically motivated and slanderous, which is aimed at tarnishing my reputation and integrity, as well as the party that I represent,” Sivakumar stated at a press conference held in the Parliament lobby.
The DAP MP also challenged Awang to repeat his claims outside the Dewan Rakyat, should he possess solid proof and the courage to name the individual involved.
“Earlier in the Dewan, Jelutong (Rayer) asked Pendang (Awang) to issue an apology and retract his statement, but he did not do so despite being in the lower house.
“Therefore, it is right that he is to be referred to the Rights and Privileges committee,” he added.
Sivakumar thanked the MACC for its statement, which he felt provided clarity on the matter and defended his reputation against the opposition’s attacks.
Let Speaker decide
Earlier, Rayer requested the lower house’s Deputy Speaker Ramli Mohd Nor to issue a ruling on Awang’s claims. Ramli stated that while he holds powers equal to those of Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, he would defer to Johari for the final decision.
This is due to the fact that the issue may involve rulings that could lead to the suspension of an MP, a serious matter that only a Speaker can adjudicate.
He also reminded that while MPs enjoy parliamentary immunity, they are not exempt from actions that could be taken by the Rights and Privileges committee. – November 5, 2024