PARLIAMENT There will be no abuse of power in the prosecution and investigation of cases related to sabotage, espionage and actions detrimental to parliamentary democracy, Putrajaya has pledged.

This is because the accused will be guaranteed defence when their cases are prosecuted in court, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi declared in his capacity as home minister.

"Seven are being investigated for threatening parliamentary democracy, sabotage and espionage under Sections 124B to 124N of the Penal Code. This involves a total of 10 cases, and only two have been prosecuted," Zahid said.

He said this in reply to a written question from Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Gelang Patah, photo ), who asked if this was an abuse of power and if there were other agenda behind the use of these provisions of the Penal Code.

Zahid defended the police, saying they were able to carry out their duties more accurately as a clear definition has been given to the sections with the amendment of the Penal Code, and the cases would be brought to court for trial.

"There will be no abuse of power and the accused will be guaranteed their rights," he said.

In a recent spate of actions, the police have invoked Section 124 of the Penal Code to investigate detractors of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his brainchild, 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

Politicians, lawyers, media bosses and activists were investigated under the provisions of this section, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ jail upon conviction.

Former Umno division leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan and his lawyer Matthias Chang were charged with attempting to sabotage the country's banking and financial services under Section 124L of the Penal Code.

The #Tangkap Najib rally protesters , opposition lawmakers Tony Pua and Rafizi Ramli and The Edge Media Group owner Tong Kooi Ong were also among those probed under these provisions.