pic by BERNAMA

DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun (picture) said he does not have the power to call or decide against calling in anyone to explain themselves in Parliament for an alleged misconduct.

On the issue involving Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki’s trading scandal, Azhar Azizan said he does not interfere in the matters overlooked by the Parliamentary select committee or other standing committees.

“I know Azam Baki was called by the special committee via a letter and he had given a letter to the chairman of the committee where he raised various legal issues.

“I also am aware that the chairman has decided to seek legal advice regarding the issues raised by Azam Baki. I am not sure if legal advice has been given, but I know the chairman will hold a meeting to discuss the issue and the date has yet to be decided,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Opposition leaders have urged Azhar Azizan to call the chief commissioner to attend the Dewan Rakyat meeting, so he could respond to the issue involving his trading scandal.

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh told the Speaker to be more stern in ensuring Azam attends the Parliament session to provide explanation.

“In Section 16, if the Dewan does not take heed of what is stipulated under the section, then it is a less-functional Parliament.

“Witnesses have been called to provide an explanation to the Public Account Committee, but why is Azam Baki given special treatment? We urge for the Speaker to be more stern.”