GEORGETOWN: Penang’s Rights and Privileges Committee will maintain impartiality in hearing the case of opposition leader Azhar Ibrahim, who is accused of uttering seditious words in his infamous “another May 13” speech.
“I can him assure that,” said state assembly speaker Abdul Halim Hussain in an interview with FMT.
Abdul Halim, who also heads the committee, said the panel would base its decision on genuine evidence and dismissed speculation that Pakatan Rakyat would use the opportunity to take revenge on Barisan Nasional.
Azhar is also a member of the committee of 11, but will have to vacate his seat during the hearing.
On May 6, reacting to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s criticism of Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan, he warned of a repeat of the May 13 race riots if the public lost confidence in the police force.
He also warned critics of Umno that they were liable to be taught a lesson by Malay gangsters.
Backbencher Jagdeep Singh Deo (DAP-Datuk Keramat) tabled the motion to refer him to the committee. Sim Tze Tzin (PKR-Pantai Jerejak) seconded it.
Penang BN has publicly expressed regret over Azhar’s remarks.
Abdul Halim said the committee would hold its first meeting on the case next month and hoped to complete the hearing in time for the next sitting of the state assembly, scheduled for August.
Azhar would be called to defend himself during the second meeting of the committee, he added.
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