Yesterday, Ayer Hitam MP Wee Ka Siong told the Dewan Rakyat that a member of the public, claiming to be a representative of J&E Advance Tech Sdn Bhd, called him to demand a retraction of statements he made in Parliament about the importation of eggs from India.
According to Wee, the caller claimed to have held a discussion with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), after which it was decided that Wee would issue a statement in Parliament to resolve a purported dispute arising from his earlier statements.
“Wee’s statement raises alarm bells on multiple levels which the Speaker must immediately act on as it affects the sanctity of proceedings in Parliament and an MP’s ability to discharge their duties,” said Johari, the Titiwangsa MP.
“Firstly, an MP cannot be pressured by any party into making any sort of statement involuntarily,” he said, adding that such pressure may even give rise to a potential criminal offence.
“Secondly, no public officer or businessman should enter into any arrangement designed to put pressure on any MP to do or say anything,” he told FMT.
Johari also said the caller’s claim that a discussion was held with the PMO may amount to unlawful encroachment by the executive into Parliament.
“It may also be tantamount to a breach of discipline of a public servant. Parliament is duty-bound to investigate this matter and see to it that necessary action is taken.”
The PMO has since said that it views claims of misrepresentation seriously as it affects its credibility and that of the government.
It also said it will not hesitate to initiate legal action against those involved in misrepresenting the PMO.
Meanwhile, Wee told FMT it was clear that certain parties were trying to intimidate him.
“Personally, I am certain Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has nothing to do with this as we have spoken on this matter, and it is a case of someone using the PMO’s name.
“There is nothing wrong in me raising the issue in Parliament. I am just doing my job. Parliamentary immunity must be respected.”
Wee had been served with two letters of demand by J&E, which said it was the sole importer of eggs from India, over remarks he made about the imports.
The first letter to Wee on Feb 23 said the company faced losses and a tarnished reputation as a result of Wee’s “unwarranted statements”.
In a second letter, the company’s lawyer said that its business had been indirectly affected as Wee’s remarks had caused confusion among consumers about the quality of the eggs.
Wee had said in a Facebook post on Jan 9 that eggs from India would take between three and four weeks to reach Port Klang by sea.
He has frequently raised the issue of egg supply in the country in the lower house.