The decision for ministers not to reply orally or in writing in the Dewan Rakyat on the civil action taken by the United States Department of Justice (DoJ), was to avoid the parliamentarians from being called to testify in the court hearing in the US.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said there was no law to prevent individuals in this country from being called as witnesses in case hearings in that country, including if a matter was debated in Parliament.
In fact, he said, the prosecution and defence in the US could use statements made by Malaysian MPs to influence the court hearing in that country (US).
"Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Gelang Patah) and Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) had argued that the term subjudice was not applicable, as the alleged company was registered in the US, while the court hearing would also be conducted in that country.
"If that is the reason given, that is, the whole trial will be conducted in the US and involves the US, why should the matter be debated in the Malaysian Parliament?" he said at a press conference in Parliament building, here, Thursday.
Pandikar Amin said the decision he made was also not in the interest of certain parties, but based on the Dewan Rakyat's Standing Orders 21(1)(a), 23(1)(g) and 36(2).
At the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday, he made the decision based on the reason that discussing the issue would be subjudice, but the decision was disputed by a number of opposition MPs.
In July this year, the DoJ filed a civil suit to get back the assets acquired by certain individuals through the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds, which had allegedly been misappropriated. -- Bernama
READ: 1MDB: Police still looking for witnesses to help in probe - IGP
Bernama
Thu Oct 20 2016
PANDIKAR AMIN: There is no law to prevent individuals inMalaysia from being called as witnesses in case hearings in another country, including if a matter is debated in Parliament.
Federal Court sets March 13-14 for hearing of final appeals in Kevin Morais' murder case
Six men are appealing against the Court of Appeal's decision to uphold their conviction for murder and the death sentences.
UK man fined RM700 for entering protected area at KLIA
Polak Kendon is charged with entering a protected area at Gate C, level five of KLIA T1, without a valid pass.
Indonesia plans minimum age for social media use
The move aims at protecting children, its communications minister says.
Level Up: The Superman guide to the future of work
By 2030, tasks performed solely by humans are expected to shrink from 47% to 33%.
Future-proof your career: Master these 5 core skills to thrive by 2025
As automation takes over routine tasks, creativity will become a defining trait for employees.
Why the labour market is evolving and how employers are adapting
As AI and technology advance, skills like cognitive abilities, ethics, and technology-related expertise will either gain or lose importance.
US Justice Dept releases report on Trump attempt to overturn 2020 election
Investigations found Trump spread false 2020 voter fraud claims, pressured lawmakers, and pushed fake electors to overturn 2020 election.
Sydney closes nine beaches due to mysterious ball-shaped debris
Most of the samples of the ball-shaped debris were the size of marbles, with some larger, says Northern Beaches Council.
Distribution of RM13 bil SARA, STR aid begins tomorrow, highest in history
The SARA aid will be increased to RM2,100 in 2025 compared to RM1,200 in 2024 for eligible households recorded in the eKasih system.
[COLUMNIST] The hidden struggles hehind Malaysia’s GPI ranking
Essentially, a nation may appear peaceful externally but lack the critical structures to sustain peace during stress or upheaval.
Impeachment trial of South Korea's Yoon adjourned after he does not attend
If Yoon Suk-Yeol decides not to attend the next trial proceedings, it will start with his legal team representing him.
Earthquake shakes Tibetan monasteries, casualties among clergy unknown
The magnitude 6.8 quake reduced to rubble roofs and walls at a monastery and a nunnery in Tingri.
Trial of South Korea's impeached President Yoon set to begin
The Constitutional Court must decide within 180 days whether to remove Yoon Suk-Yeol from office or restore his presidential powers.
Pahang sees slight increase in flood evacuees, Johor declines to 2,498
JPBN says only the water level at Sungai Kahang in Kampung Contoh, Kluang, remains above the danger level.
India's Maha Kumbh festival sees 15 million people take holy dip on first day
Nearly 15 million Hindus, six times the number expected, took a dip in freezing waters seeking absolution of their sins.
Fire-stricken Los Angeles braces for dangerous Santa Ana winds
Over 8,500 firefighters battled fires in Los Angeles, preventing the conflagrations from spreading overnight by air and ground efforts.
China mulls potential sale of TikTok US to Musk, Bloomberg News reports
TikTok says the government's stake "has no bearing on ByteDance's global operations outside of China, including TikTok."
Gaza ceasefire deal close after 'breakthrough' in Doha
Joe Biden says a ceasefire and hostage release deal he has championed was on "the brink" of coming to fruition.
Pongal celebration a symbol of unity, harmony and progress - Cabinet ministers
The Members of the Cabinet extend their best wishes to all Hindus and Tamils in the country on the occasion of the Pongal festival.
US lawmakers urge Biden to extend TikTok Jan. 19 ban deadline
Joe Biden could extend the deadline by 90 days if he certifies ByteDance is making substantial progress toward a divestiture.