The new Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Sidek Hassan was given a 'friendly warning' today, before he could even warm his seat - don't question the MPs' immunity.

The parliamentarians asked him not to follow his predecessor, Samsuddin Osman's action in interfering in the MP's immunity during the Custom Department saga involving Mohd Said Yusof (BN-Jasin).

Acting BN Backbenchers Club chairperson Ahmad Zainuddin Omar (BN-Larut) said it was the MP's role to ensure the government delivers its promises.

"Civil servants have to implement the policies, we have to criticise and don't question our immunity," said the MP when debating Budget 2007 in Parliament today.

Wan Junaidi Jaafar (BN-Santubong) echoed similar sentiments, claiming that "anyone questioning our immunity is in contempt of Parliament and only MPs have the power to decide on this."

"I hope the new chief secretary will not act as his predecessor and not question our immunity," he added to applause from fellow backbenchers.

Another vocal backbencher Mohd Alwi Che Ahmad (BN-Ketereh) joined in the fray at this juncture and recounted a controversy last year sparked from a letter from Sidek.

Issued the Miti letter

Sidek, who was then the secretary-general in the International Trade and Industry Ministry had issued a letter which were distributed in the House, explaining why his ministry had unveiled a list of MPs who were given APs for personal use to import foreign luxury cars.

According to MPs who were unhappy with Sidek's letter, the latter "has usurped the minister's authority" as the explanation should be made by the minister Rafidah Aziz herself

"Wasn't he the one who blundered when he wrote to us about the APs while the minister was to have replied?" asked the Ketereh MP.

Nonetheless, the Larut MP reminded the backbenchers that Sidek was merely "acting on instructions".

Voicing his hope that Sidek will help to improve the delivery system, the MP however doubted Sidek could do much as he is a year away from retirement.

"I hope he will be able to improve the delivery system and ensure the aspirations of the government is realised on the ground," Ahmad said.

The debate continues tomorrow.