Politics

Rayer's defence of Zahid surprises all in the August House

KUALA LUMPUR: Jelutong member of Parliament (MP) RSN Rayer, known for his unreserved remarks and outspoken manner in the Dewan Rakyat, especially against the Barisan Nasional (BN) elected representatives, took everyone by surprise in the August House.

This came about after he defended the appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as Deputy Prime Minister.

Rayer had interjected Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru), who had questioned the prime minister's decision of appointing Zahid to be part of the cabinet despite facing trial in court during his debate of the royal address.

"Tambun MP (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) had appointed someone who is being accused in the court of law to be part of his cabinet. This is something serious," said Takiyuddin.

Rayer stood up, citing Parliamentary Standing Order 36 (2) which prohibited elected representatives from making any reference to any cases currently being tried in court.

"Kota Baru, you are a lawyer. Bagan Datuk (Zahid) has not been found guilty.

"A man is innocent until proven guilty. Come on, have some standards," he said, with many MPs expressing surprise over his remarks.

Takiyuddin continued and said Zahid's appointment as deputy prime minister had put legal and judicial officers in a difficult position.

"On behalf of the opposition, I urge the government to take a stand.

"Are you allowing a member of your administration, holding the second highest position, to be on duty when he has a court case?" he questioned.

Zahid is the first sitting deputy prime minister to be charged in court, facing multiple corruption charges involving RM31 million of Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) funds.

The 70-year-old is facing 47 charges, including 12 for criminal breach of trust (CBT), eight for corruption and 27 for money laundering involving RM31 million of YAB funds.

For the 12 CBT charges, Zahid is alleged to have used the funds to make payments for personal credit cards, insurance policies and licences for his personal vehicles, remittances to a law firm and contributions to the police football association.

The charge carries a maximum of 20 years' jail, whipping and a fine.

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