Amend constitution to disqualify convicted MPs, Pejuang legal secretary says

SHAH ALAM - Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) urges the government to amend the Federal Constitution for the status of MPs who were convicted and imprisoned or fined over RM2,000 to be disqualified immediately.

Pejuang legal secretary Akif Rusli said at the time any MPs would not lose their status if they submitted a pardon petition within 14 days of the sentencing date.

"It needs to be amended and this privilege must be abolished.

“It is inappropriate for criminals or prisoners with an MP background to maintain their position because they are the lawmakers who betrayed the laws.

"Because of Article 48 (4) (b) & (c) of the Federal Constitution, the people should urge or plead towards the Pardons Board to immediately clear up or sever any petitions or reviews," he said in his tweet on Twitter on Tuesday.

Akif's views had referred to Pekan MP Datuk Seri Najib Razak's status who was undergoing his 12 year prison sentence and RM210 million fine.

The Federal Court comprised of a five-judge panel on Aug 23, maintained the conviction of the former prime minister regarding the misappropriation of RM42 million in SRC International Sdn Bhd (SRC) funds.

Najib filed a royal pardon on Sept 2, and his status as Pekan MP would remain until the pardon process completed.

Akif added the amendment was needed to prevent Najib from hiding behind the law and maintained himself as the people's representatives who was not fit to serve.

"The amendment proposal for Article 48(4) for the Federal Court's decision is necessary to occur.

"The pardon does not mean that he would be clean from any offences, it is also the justice of the law for the people if the crime was convicted to be related with the country's management," he said.