PH Presidential Council condemns government agencies being used as political weapons

In a media statement, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Presidential Council claimed that there was a series of actions from agencies including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and other agencies to put pressure on Opposition MPs, officials and even their family members.

"At this time, we understand that actions are still being taken along with the pressure for Opposition MPs to express support for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"In principle, we support any action in accordance with the rule of law. But any abuse of an institution or agency with the intent to harass, oppress or intimidate political enemies is totally unacceptable," the statement said.

In fact, Pakatan Harapan explained, the action is believed to have been taken against many Opposition MPs including Lim Guan Eng and his wife, Larry Sng, Steven Choong, and now indirectly against Datuk Dr Xavier Jayakumar.

"Pakatan Harapan strongly condemns the use of the MACC, IRB, PDRM and other agencies as 'political weapons', especially for the purpose of increasing support for the Perikatan Nasional minority government.

"Political competition in Malaysia must take place in a healthy atmosphere, with the practice of democracy based on the Federal Constitution.

"Pakatan Harapan also regrets the action of the authorities on businesses with various unreasonable financial demands as well as the freezing of bank accounts to supplement the declining government revenue," the statement said.

Thus, it added, the extortion of businesses in the face of economic recession should also be postponed as it will complicate business survival and affect employment.