Three MPs seek to join proceedings involving Anwar as observers
KUALA LUMPUR: Three members of parliament have applied to the High Court for permission to join proceedings involving Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's bid to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court.
The questions include whether Anwar has immunity from a civil suit filed against him four years ago by his former research assistant, Muhammed Yusoff Rawther.
Anwar, who is the Tambun member of Parliament, filed to have the questions referred to the Federal Court and to postpone the main trial until the apex court delivers a decision.
The High Court is scheduled to hear this application tomorrow before Judge Roz Mawar Rozain.
The three applicants, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (PN-Kemaman, and Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), submitted their request via e-filing yesterday to be allowed to attend the hearing as observing counsel.
Their application, filed under Order 92(4) of the Rules of Court 2012, Article 128(2) of the Federal Constitution, and Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964, argues that they have a vested interest in the matter as members of parliament.
According to legal firm Wan Jawahir & Takiyuddin, acting for the trio, the legal questions raised, particularly Articles 39, 40, 43, and 128(2) of the Federal Constitution, are of public importance and may influence parliamentary debates and public discourse.
"Given the significance of these constitutional matters, we believe these MPs deserve access to the proceedings in an official capacity as observers to better inform their roles and responsibilities in Parliament," the firm said in its application.
They also requested the court to allow Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, and Datuk Seri Zulkifli Noordin to attend as observing counsel representing the three parliamentarians throughout the proceedings.
Yusoff's lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, confirmed receiving a copy of the application and said it may be presented to the court during tomorrow's session.
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