Read Constitution Properly Armizan Tells Critics Over His Business Govt Jobs

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INTERVIEW | Papar MP Armizan Mohd Ali has hit back at detractors for making an issue over his involvement in businesses while being a member of the Dewan Rakyat.
ADSArmizan said such practice was nothing new as many MPs, from both sides of the political divide, have held positions in companies or business ownership while serving as an elected representative.
The domestic trade and costs of living minister insisted it was not against the Federal Constitution as critics have claimed.
"What I can say is that we have considered all legal aspects in every action we take.
"If they want to talk about disqualification, they (critics) can check... There are many MPs out there who are not only holding positions in GLCs (government-linked companies) but also have their own companies," he said in an interview with Malaysiakini.
Armizan recently came under fire after it was revealed that he previously held a director position in Sabah Mineral Management Sdn Bhd (SMM) after being elected as an MP and appointed as a federal cabinet member.
Last week, an opposition leader also claimed that Armizan was still listed as a director in another Sabah GLC called Common Tower Technology Sdn Bhd.
Sabah Bersatu Youth chief Hisyam Hazaril Azman had said that Armizan should be disqualified from being a Dewan Rakyat member for violating Article 48(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution, which prohibits an MP from holding an office of profit.
‘Office of profit’ definition
In a response, Armizan told his critics to properly understand provisions in the Federal Constitution.
He said the Constitution has clearly stipulated what it defines as "an office of profit" under Article 160 and urged the opposition leader to read the clause.
According to Article 160, "an office of profit" is defined as "any whole time office in any of the public services", including being a judge or serving as a member of the Election Commission, among others.
ADSLast week, Hisyam touched on Armizan's positions in the Dewan Rakyat and as the domestic trade and cost of living minister after checks revealed that he allegedly still holds a director position in Common Tower Technology.
He also pointed out that the government's code of ethics for members of federal administration prohibits a cabinet minister from being involved in a business.
Aimed at avoiding any conflict of interest, the code requires any minister who holds the position of director or chairperson in any business or cooperative to resign.
Let cops investigate
Pressed on the matter, Armizan said he would prefer to leave the matter to the authorities as it is still under investigation.
"Since there has been a police report, I would leave this to the authorities," he said, referring to a report lodged by a Sabah-based NGO two weeks ago.
Armizan also elaborated on issues raised regarding photographs that showed him meeting an Indonesian mining corporation in 2023.
The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy secretary-general said there was no issue with him trying to hide the meeting as he had gone there together with SMM management members.
"There was no such thing as hiding the trip. I went there with the management (of SMM), not alone. The whole team was there.
"I don't know why some people accused me of trying to hide it. If this was the case, I would not have gone there with the management.
"After I opened the meeting, I left midway and let the management representatives discuss further. They were the ones who presented their assessment to the (SMM) board of directors," he said.
According to Armizan, the state company was interested in discussing with Bayan Resources as they are a genuine mineral mining company with a proven track record.
He said the Indonesian mining conglomerate was among the companies that supply coal to TNB. - Mkini

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