TWO Bersatu MPs who were accused of attempting to influence their compatriot to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today submitted a motion to refer him — Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) (picture) to the Dewan Rakyat’s privileges committee.

Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang) told the Dewan Rakyat that he and Azizi Abu Naim (PN-Gua Musang) have filed separate motions in line with Standing Order 36(6) and 36(12).

Standing Order 36(6) prohibits an MP from imputing improper motives to any other member, whereas 36(12) states that making misleading statements can lead to punishment by the House’s privileges committee.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul acknowledged he had received their letters last Friday and had written to Wan Saiful to obtain more details on the allegations that were made.

“And then, I can call upon Gua Musang and Tanjung Karang for any further action. If Tanjong Karang is found guilty, and also Gua Musang, both will be brought before the committee.

“Let me deal with each person individually, one by one,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Last Thursday, Wan Saiful said Zulkafperi and Azizi attempted to persuade him to follow in their footsteps in pledging support for Anwar while proposing to establish a committee under Standing Order 80A to punish those who have committed contempt of the House under Sections 9(d) and 9(e) of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952, or Act 347.

He said the two MPs acted as “agents of persuasions” and offers several proposal for him to support Anwar including a parliamentary allocation of RM2 million, contribution towards his (Wan Saiful’s) wife’s medical costs, an undisclosed sum to cover legal fees incurred in his ongoing court case, and the possibility of dropping the charges brought against him.

In a press conference today, Dr Zulkafperi countered Wan Saiful’s claims, saying that the offers were Wan Saiful’s demands.

“If we observe closely, all of these offers are his demands as a condition for Tasek Gelugor to support Anwar,” said Zulkafperi told reporters.

Wan Saiful is currently facing 18 counts of money laundering charges involving funds totalling around RM5.59 million and two graft charges linked to the Jana Wibawa programme.

On Feb 28, Wan Saiful claimed that he was offered a reward to support the prime minister.

Subsequently, the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission asked him to lodge a report at its headquarters and summoned him to have his statement recorded over the allegation.

However, he has been evading the MACC’s call, citing parliamentary immunity in the Dewan Rakyat. — TMR