Flimsy excuse: talk of subpoena still secondary as Azam uncleared by PSC, says MP

[superadmin]

KUALA LUMPUR – The semantics of an “invitation” and “subpoena” are a secondary issue as Tan Sri Azam Baki has yet to be cleared by the parliamentary select committee (PSC) on the issue of his share ownership which has marred the anti-graft agency he heads, said a DAP lawmaker.

Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong accused Azam of giving a “flimsy excuse” to not attend the PSC meeting while failing to understand its function in Parliament.

To avoid more issues on the issuance of a subpoena, Khoo will be requesting for the PSC to issue one to Azam to attend the meeting under Standing Order 83(2) and Section 16 and 17 of the House of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952.

This, he said, will remove any legal or technical doubt.

“If Azam refuses to comply with the subpoena, he will be in contempt of Parliament.”

He added that whether the letter is an “invitation” or a “subpoena”, the PSC is more interested in examining the substance of Azam’s share ownership and if he breached any laws or government regulations.

“It is normal practice for the Parliament secretary to issue a letter to government officials to attend PSC meetings. In October 2020, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) issued a similar letter to Azam to attend a meeting, which he complied with.

“Why should it be any different now as both the PSC and PAC function under the same parliamentary rules and procedures?

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