Anwar told to step down

(The Star) – Several non-governmental organisations have urged parliamentarians to propose a law that allows impeachment of leaders.

A delegation of eight men representing five NGOs led by the Selangor Anti-Irregularities Federation (GAPS) met Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Nika Ujang and submitted a memorandum demanding the resignation of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday.

Gaps president Hamidzun Khairuddin said after meeting the senate president yesterday that Anwar, who is also Permatang Pauh MP, had been involved in several scandals and was not fit to be a leader.

Hamidzun added that the Opposition Leader had been involved in two sodomy trials and there was also a video circulating on the Internet implicating Anwar.

Although he agreed with Hamidzun’s interpretation of the court judgment, Abu Zahar said currently there was no legal provision to impeach leaders.

“As of now, there is no provision to impeach a leader. But if there are weaknesses in our laws, then it is up to the MPs and senators to moot a bill to rectify the weakness. After all, Parliament is the place to make a change for the benefit of the people,” said Abu Zahar.

“As a lawyer myself, I agree that if a person is acquitted by the court, it does not mean he is not guilty.

“He is released because the prosecution could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt of the defendant’s guilt,” he said.

Hamidzun said GAPS would meet several MPs and senators to seek their support in proposing a law to impeach leaders.

Other NGOs represented by the eight-man delegation were Selangor Youth Council, Waris Malaya, Warisan Anak Merdeka, Belia Warisan Tanjung Keramat and Ikatan Kebajikan dan Dakwah Selangor.