Australian Independent MP Nicholas Xenophon's calling the Dewan Rakyat's rights and privileges committe a 'kangoroo court' has not gone down well with a number of people who described his action as rude and not showing respect for Malaysia's sovereignty and the laws of this country.

USM Political Science Studies Centre lecturer Ahmad Atory Hussain said Xenophon should not "shoot his mouth off" as this could cause anger among Malaysians.

"Decribing the august committee as a 'kangaroo court' is downright rude," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

anwar with aussie senator pc 081210 nick xenophon Xenophon (right) was quoted saying as such on Wednesday at Parliament's lobby in commenting on the committee's deliberations on Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's allegation that the 1Malaysia concept espoused by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was borrowed from the 1Israel concept and that international consulting firm Apco Worldwide was behind it.

Anwar had been referred to the committee on April 22 over the matter and faces a possible suspension from Dewan Rakyat sittings for the remark.

Pertubuhan Suluh Cendekiawan Malaysia president Ibrahim Abu Shah was of the view that Xenophon was prejudiced.

"I do not see how the parliamentary rights and privileges conducts a hearing is any of his business," said Ibrahim, who is also the former vice chancellor of UiTM.

Relying on Anwar's version

His view was also shared by Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) treasurer Mohamad Aziz, who said the laws used in Malaysia were the same as those in Australia as they came from the British.

Mohamad, who is also the MP for Sri Gading, said it was incumbent upon MPs in Commonwealth countries to show mutual respect for each other's legislatures.

Hulu Selangor MP P Kamalanathan believed Xenophon had acted as such because Anwar had sought sympathy from him.

The MIC information chief said Xenophon had issued remarks without getting the full story and had only relied on Anwar's version.

The committee is chaired by Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia with the other members being deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee, Fong Chan Onn (BN-Alor Gajah), Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar), Nancy Shukri (BN-Batang Sadong), R Sivarasa (PKR-Subang) and Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor).

The committee completed hearing the case on Dec 4 and will be making its recommendations to Dewan Rakyat soon.

However, Sivarasa and Karpal Singh withdrew from the case citing biasness on the part of the other members.

- Bernama