Thanks, but no thanks: Perikatan won’t back Rafizi’s bid for RCI into judicial appointments, says Takiyuddin

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional MPs will not back Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s call for MPs to support the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to look into the judicial appointments issue.

Perikatan chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed that some MPs from the bloc had received a letter from Rafizi on July 9, calling for a show of support to his call to preserve judiciary integrity.

He said Perikatan MPs do appreciate the Pandan MP’s stance on issues related to the judiciary including the exclusive power of the prime minister in making judicial appointments, adding that it aligns with the Opposition’s stance.

However, he said Perikatan MPs have a different view when it comes to the proposal of setting up an RCI to look into the crisis surrounding the judiciary, adding that it would not be effective considering that this would be done at the discretion of the prime minister, who in turn would have to advise the King.

He said the lawmakers position also aligns with Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s statement stating that the Opposition coalition is not confident that the prime minister will allow for a RCI to be established to investigate himself.

In addition, this would also require a decision by the Cabinet which is chaired by the prime minister himself.

“Hence, Perikatan MPs will not support YB Rafizi’s proposal on this issue. However, Perikatan will evaluate any related issues raised by the Pandan MP in the upcoming Parliament meeting which begins on July 21,” he said in a statement on Friday (July 11).

On July 7, the former economy minister along with other senior PKR MPs called for a RCI to look into the “crisis” in the judiciary, which will see a large number of senior members exiting within a few months.

They also wanted a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) proceeding to look into the matter.