PASIR Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim has raised concerns over Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's endorsement of jailed former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak's plea to serve his sentence under house arrest. Hassan questioned the implications of Zahid's actions, suggesting that they amounted to a challenge against the government's decision and raised conflict-of-interest issues.
Drawing parallels with historical precedents, Hassan invoked the resignation of then-Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam in 1986 over disagreements with the administration of then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He challenged Zahid to consider following suit in light of the perceived conflict between his role in the Cabinet and his allegiance to his political party.
Highlighting the legal implications, Hassan underscored the potential conflict of interest arising from Zahid's dual roles as Deputy Prime Minister and party president within the ruling coalition. By pledging support for Najib's judicial review, Zahid effectively undermines the government's decision and challenges the authority of the Pardons Board.
According to Hassan, a judicial review constitutes an application to the court to scrutinize a decision or action taken by the government. In Najib's case, the application challenges the decision of the Pardons Board and the government, alleging errors in their judgment.
By endorsing Najib's bid for a judicial review, Zahid's actions imply a direct challenge to the decisions of both the Pardons Board and the government. This raises concerns about the alignment of his official duties with his political affiliations and underscores the need for clarity regarding his role within the administration.
Zahid's unexpected backing of Najib's plea for house arrest, conveyed through an affidavit filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, has sparked controversy and prompted calls for closer scrutiny of his actions. The move has reignited debates surrounding the separation of powers and the impartiality of government officials in upholding the rule of law.
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