Prime Minister is not above the law
Hamzah Zainudin.
KUALA LUMPUR - Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has reminded that the Prime Minister is not above the law and should not use his position to shield himself from legal proceedings, especially in the eyes of both the people and the international community.
In a statement on Friday, Hamzah stressed the importance of upholding justice, saying that dignity and accountability go hand in hand for any national leader.
He criticised the move by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's legal team to file an extraordinary application to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court, including the matter of immunity in a civil lawsuit filed by former aide Muhammed Yusoff Rawther. Hamzah criticised the move by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's legal team to file an extraordinary application to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court, including the matter of immunity in a civil lawsuit filed by former aide Muhammed Yusoff Rawther (in white)..
'Defending the honour of a leader, particularly the Prime Minister, is important because it reflects the authority of the nation. However, at the same time, the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law must be upheld
'Those in power must never abuse the justice system because doing so would erode public trust in the leadership and the country's legal institutions,' he warned.
He reminded that the courts are the rightful avenue for individuals to defend themselves fairly under the law, and any failure to uphold justice could lead to perceptions of double standards.
He warned that such a scenario would erode public trust and send a signal to foreign investors that the country operates without proper legal order.
The Larut Member of Parliament (MP) added that such actions could have a lasting impact on Malaysia's stability and economic growth.
Citing Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution, he said: 'All individuals are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection under it. If this right is denied, the people will rebel and the system will collapse.
'The position of Prime Minister does not provide immunity from the law. In this case, he must defend his personal honour and the integrity of the Prime Minister's institution, not seek immunity from the court.
'The role of Prime Minister is a trust given by Allah SWT, for which one will be held accountable not only in this world, but also in the hereafter,' he said.
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