SHAH ALAM, July 1: Assemblyman for Bukit Damansara, Azmin Modh Ali today said in the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) session that according to the Inquiry Act 1950, the State Government has the power to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry which has the same power of the Federal Government.
Thus, Azmin urged the State Government to take steps to establish the Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the corruption and fraud that occurred in Selangor during the 13th General Election (GE-13) process.
“This is because election fraud is a matter of public interest and this is provided for under the Act.
“In accordance to Section 2(1)(d) of the Commission of Inquiry Act 1950 which empowers a commission of inquiry to carry out investigations is in the benefit of public welfare,” said Azmin.
According to Azmin, Section 21 of the Commission of Inquiry Act also provides protection to witnesses ready to testify, including officials of the Public Service and also the EC.
According to him, the commission also gives legal authority to issue subpoenas against any individual that will help in investigations, including the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman of the EC and a warrant of arrest may be issued if the involved party defaults.
“The commission may also issue subpoenas to the media like Utusan Malaysia and TV3 which was fully used by Umno to display slanderous news and lies against the State Government such as the issue of waste, clean water and also Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (MES, also loosely translated as the People’s Economy) programmes,” he added.
Azmi added that the commission will function to find answers through sworn testimonies from witnesses who can assist in a comprehensive investigation on the issue of corruption and fraud in the electoral process in order to protect public interest and state sovereignty.
“I call upon the people of Selangor, especially voters to be ready to come forward as witnesses in the proceeding by the Royal Commission of Inquiry by submitting strong statement and evidence because they would be guaranteed protection under the law.
“Selangor should lead the effort to clean up the electoral system in Malaysia,” he added.
