Zuraida case shows govt doesn't meddle in justice system - PKR sec-gen

Summary:

• PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh dismissed claims of government interference in the justice system citing the outcome of former PKR lawmaker Zuraida Kamaruddin’s case.

• PKR plans to appeal the appellate court decision in Zuraida’s case.

INTERVIEW | PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh has dismissed allegations that Putrajaya interferes in decisions by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the judiciary.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, she cited Wednesday’s appellate court decision as an example, where judges decided to substantially reduce the amount former PKR lawmaker Zuraida Kamaruddin has to pay the party for breaching an electoral agreement.

If the government were to have its hands in court decisions, Fuziah said, the case would not have gone the way it did.

“As far as I know, the prime minister has never interfered (in the justice system). An example is the case of Zuraida. I mean, the whole PKR is upset with the Court of Appeal’s decision.

“But we have never interfered. It wouldn’t be like this if we had. It is unfair to accuse us.

“The whole PKR feels insulted, especially when Zuraida makes jokes, wanting to pay the (RM100,000) in RM1 notes.

“So, there is no interference. There is still separation (of powers) and it’s up to them (the courts) to make a decision,” she said in a special interview in conjunction with PKR’s special congress, which will be held this Sunday.

Fuziah was asked to comment on criticisms against the federal government over alleged interference in high-profile cases involving politicians.

This was especially after the AGC on Thursday decided to drop its appeal in the Foreign Visa System (VLN) corruption case against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

A day earlier, the Court of Appeal decided to reduce the sum Zuraida has to pay PKR - from RM10 million to RM100,000 - for breaching a bond on party hopping.

It found that the RM10 million imposed on Zuraida by the Kuala Lumpur High Court last year was “exorbitant”.

Fuziah said PKR will appeal the decision with the Federal Court.

PKR v Zuraida: Saifuddin to consult lawyers before deciding next step

Zuraida gets RM9.9m discount for quitting PKR, to pay in RM1 notes