Apco Worldwide CEO Brad Staples was to have testifed before the parliamentary rights and privileges committee today, but the session has been deferred indefinitely.

NONE The decision also caught Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz ( left in pix ) by surprise.

"They (members of the committee) are deliberating something... I don't know what," Nazri told reporters after waiting for 90 minutes to be called.

“I waited but I was not called to give evidence. I was (later) informed by the Dewan Rakyat secretary that this matter has been postponed until further notice."

The duo were summoned as witnesses in the hearing against Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is accused of misleading the House during his speech on March 17.

Anwar had alleged that Apco Worldwide - a public relations firm hired by the government to create the 1Malaysia campaign - was linked to the Zionist regime and was also responsible for the ‘One Israel’ initiative.

NONE Speaking to reporters later, Staples (right in photo) expressed disappointment that he could not testify today and hoped that a new date would be given soon.

“We look forward to hearing from the committee as to when the hearing will take place," he added.

Staples and Nazri had earlier been spotted along the corridor outside the meeting room with Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN-Kota Belud) and premier Najib Abdul Razak’s press secretary Tengku Sariffuddin Ahmad.

Abdul Rahman was the MP who tabled the motion to refer Anwar to the powerful disciplinary committee.

The bipartisan committee, chaired by speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia, is made up of four BN and two Pakatan Rakyat MPs.

The BN representatives are deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee (Beluran), Fong Chan Onn (Alor Gajah), Nancy Shukri (Batang Sadong) and Razali Ibrahim (Muar).

The Pakatan representatives are Karpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor) and R Sivarasa (Subang).

'Abuse of power'

At the press conference in the Parliament lobby, Karpal Singh and  Sivarasa revealed that the proceedings were postponed due to a squabble.

NONE This was related to the decision to bar lawmakers from observing the proceedings.

"This morning a request was made by Puchong MP (Gobind Singh Deo) requesting that he and several other MPs be allowed to attend the (proceedings) this morning. I told the chair(person) that a ruling ought to be made if the MPs are allowed to attend," said Karpal.

"As a result there was an argument between me and the chair(person) ... and it resulted in the chairman directing me to get out of the room."

He maintained that Pandikar, in spite of his status as the speaker, has "no powers to eject" him from the committee.

"I didn't go out, I stood my ground because he has no powers, because I am the member of the committee approved by the House.

"It's very unfortunate, but I think the speaker became excited over something. He ought not to abuse his power (by insisting) that I leave."

judiciary forum lingam tape 171107 sivarasa Sivarasa questioned the committee's refusal to allow a legal representative to be present with Anwar during the hearing proper when it starts.

"We revisited the question as to whether Anwar will be allowed the presence of his lawyer in the proceedings, and again unfortunately, the majority said 'no'," he said.

"Most parliaments have moved on. They run proceedings differently, giving full access to lawyers and allowing full natural justice to take place.

"Unfortunately, the majority of the BN prefer to stick to old methods to proceed without recognising Anwar's right to a lawyer (when) he stands accused of an offence against privilege, and which has penal sanction."

Sivarasa confirmed that no date has been fixed for the next session of the hearing.