EGG importer J&E Advance Tech Sdn Bhd can’t sue Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong on his remarks against the company due to the latter’s legal immunity as an MP.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul ruled the matter in a letter to Wee which was shared by the MCA president on his social media account yesterday.

“Any speech by MPs during parliamentary sittings is protected by the Federal Constitution and no legal proceeding can be initiated by any court against any MP for what was said when participating in any parliamentary proceeding,” Johari said in the letter.

The legal immunity for MPs to speak on anything and everything in the House or its committees are covered under Article 63 of the Federal Constitution.

Wee, in return thanked Johari for his guidance and lauded him for protecting the rights of MPs.

“I will continue to be the voice of the people, not just for my constituents in Ayer Hitam but also the people of Johor and Malaysia,” Wee said.

On Feb 28, the company had issued a letter of demand to Wee after claiming the MCA president had produced “misleading, misinformed and mischievous” statements on imported eggs from India.

In the letter of demand posted on Wee’s Facebook page, lawyer S Ravichandaran said his client, J&E Advance Tech, faced losses and a tarnished reputation as a result of the MP’s “unwarranted statements” in Parliament – where MPs are given privilege of speaking without being impeach in any court or tribunal outside the August House.

Wee then wrote a letter to Johari to ask for his guidance following the letter of demand.

J&E Advance Tech yesterday had also demanded Perikatan Nasional information chief Datuk Seri Azmin Ali to issue a correction on his claim over the company forcing the government to buy the imported eggs via direct negotiation from them. – TMR / pic Bernama