Saifuddin Rejects Blame On Pm For Zahid S Dnaa

---

JOHOR BY-ELECTIONS | Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has once again defended Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim against outcry over a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) granted to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over the corruption case involving Yayasan Akalbudi.
Speaking to reporters in Pulai, Saifuddin repeated his stand that Article 145 of the Federal Constitution empowers the attorney-general to prosecute or withdraw any charges.
"That is the power under the Federal Constitution.
"That is also why I reject and deflect any allegations or assumptions on any action taken by the attorney-general, all (the blame) laid on the shoulders of the prime minister.
"As if the prime minister has no better work to do," said Saifuddin (above) when met on the campaign trail for Pakatan Harapan's Pulai candidate Suhaizan Kaiat.
The PKR secretary-general said this when asked for comments on fellow PKR MP Wong Chen, who earlier today joined the chorus in calling for the government to separate the powers of the attorney-general and public prosecutor, saying the latter should only be accountable to Parliament.
Subang MP Wong ChenSaifuddin said he had read Wong's suggestion, but maintained that the present judicial system remains.
"We inherited a system that is already in place.
"If there are any suggestions for reforms to the present system, then the way (forward) would be as what was suggested by Wong.
"We will see from there. I have no further comments beyond that," he added.
In a statement tonight, the AGC, in response to media reports, said that the withdrawal of 47 corruption charges against Zahid was made based on reasons given, and accepted by the court.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin also downplayed Muda's threat to withdraw support for the coalition government, if there were no detailed explanation from the AGC on its decision to withdraw the 47 corruption charges against Zahid.
Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman"There is no problem. I view it as just another reaction.
"As a political party, Muda knows the good and bad of any action they take. I have no further comments as they have the right to act based on their deliberations," he said.
Earlier today, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said his party would not hesitate to re-evaluate its position in the coalition and is considering a street protest, saying the DNAA granted to Zahid is “one of the biggest red lines crossed”. - Mkini

---