3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'No bid for immunity, only legal clarification,' says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed claims that he is seeking legal immunity to avoid facing court proceedings, whether civil or criminal.
During Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar (PH-Tambun) clarified that he was not seeking immunity from lawsuits, but was merely referring a legal question to the Federal Court for a ruling.
The prime minister said he was only seeking a court decision on whether claims without reasonable grounds (frivolous), actions intended to harass the opposing party without a genuine intent to seek justice (vexatious), and abuse of the court process are applicable in all cases, including civil matters.
"What I am seeking is to ask the court for a decision on whether anyone can make frivolous and vexatious attacks against the prime minister that disrupt the course of our work.
"It is up to the court to make the decision, not the prime minister," he said.
Anwar said this in response to a supplementary question from Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah), who sought clarification regarding allegations that he had applied for legal immunity in order to face cases, whether civil or criminal, in court.
In June, the High Court dismissed Anwar's application to refer eight constitutional questions to the Federal Court regarding the legal provisions on the immunity of a sitting prime minister.
Judge Roz Mawar Rozain rejected the application, ruling that it did not meet the requirements under Section 84 of the Courts of Judicature Act (CJA).
She also said the questions posed were speculative, not necessary for the disposal of the case, and did not concern the interpretation or validity of any constitutional provision.
