International public relations firm Apco Worldwide has been summoned to testify before the parliamentary rights and privileges committee tomorrow.

The firm, employed by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s administration, was allegedly linked to the Zionist regime, according to Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's speech in the Dewan Rakyat on March 17.

azlan Anwar alleged that Apco Worldwide was behind both Najib's 1Malaysia concept and the 'One Israel' initiative.

The committee has begun a hearing against Anwar for allegedly misleading the House during that speech.

The committee also rejected Anwar’s request for a lawyer to be present during the proceedings, according to opposition committee members Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) and R Sivarasa (PKR-Subang).

"Anwar has been denied the privilege to appear with a counsel, that was the position taken by the committee but Sivarasa and I were against the decision while four others were for it," said Karpal.

R ight to counsel

The veteran MP said that under Standing Orders 83 (7)(A), the committee has the right to allow counsel for anyone who appears before it.

azlan He also rebuked the committee's decision to call on a representative from Apco Worldwide to testify without Anwar's presence tomorrow.

"This is also against the laws of natural justice because you can't take evidence in the absence of the accused," said Karpal ( right ).

"We take a very serious view of what has happened. Anwar should not just be given the right of counsel but also the right to be represented by counsel... but for the moment the proceedings will go on without his presence," said Karpal.

Anwar was referred to the parliamentary committee on Apr 1 after BN Kota Belud MP Abdul Rahman Dahlan accused Anwar under standing orders 36(12), for misleading the Dewan Rakyat.

Earlier in the day, Anwar was called to appear for his first hearing but he was asked to leave while the committee deliberated on his formal request yesterday for an open hearing and legal representation.

Anwar's testimony to the parliamentary committee has now been postponed indefinitely.

The powerful seven-member committee comprises of House speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia, deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee, Fong Chan Onn (MCA-Alor Gajah), Razali Ibrahim (Umno-Muar), Nancy Shukri (PBB-Batang Sadong), Karpal (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) and Sivarasa (PKR-Subang).