Perak Assembly Speaker V. Sivakumar was questioned for over two hours by police here over reports lodged against his decision to suspend Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Zambry Abd Kadir and his six-member exco from the assembly.
Four police personnel from the commercial crimes investigation department questioned him from 3pm at lawyer Chan Kok Keong’s office near here yesterday.
At about 5.30pm, Sivakumar emerged from the office accompanied by Chan, lawyer Anthony Augustin, and assemblymen Wong Kah Woh, A. Sivasubramaniam, Yee Seu Kai and Chan Ming Kai.
“I have cooperated with the police and there was no problem during the questioning. I gave my statement because it is my responsibility to tell the police what is necessary,” he said.
Sivakumar declined to elaborate, but almost immediately released a statement calling on the police to cease all investigations against any member of the assembly, including himself.
In the statement, Sivakumar said the Legislative Assembly (Privileges) Enactment 1959 and Article 72 of the Federal Constitution gave absolute immunity to all assembly members from any civil or criminal proceedings.
“It is my belief that any investigation by the police against any member of this assembly is a violation of existing laws and legal provisions of this country,” he said.
Sivakumar added that as such, all investigations against him or any member of the assembly should cease.
The statement also said the police had called on Sivakumar to give his statement at the Sungai Senam police station on Sunday.
“The purpose and need for my statement was not stated. As I had other matters to deal with, I told them that I would meet them (yesterday),” he said.
To date, 19 police reports had been lodged against Sivakumar over his decision to suspend the seven.
Investigations were opened under Section 124/120B of the Penal Code.
Section 124, which involves compelling an elected representative to refrain from exercising his lawful powers, carries a maximum seven years’ jail and fine upon conviction.
In SERI ISKANDAR, Perak CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah warned all Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional supporters against creating problems.
“The people should be sensible and not cause any trouble,” he told reporters after a shooting contest between the police and government departments.
DCP Zulkifli also cautioned all political supporters against using the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat by-election to start a ruckus.
On another matter, DCP Zulkiffli said he was not aware of any reports lodged on threats made against Sivakumar.
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