PN chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan said the decision to question Azmin over a claim linked to the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) was undemocratic and violated the immunity accorded to elected representatives in the state assembly.

He said it highlighted Putrajaya’s cowardice, and called it a desperate attempt to cover up the government’s shortcomings.

“The Madani government appears to be afraid of its own shadow.

“Not only has it failed to engage in healthy and professional discourse to address issues but has resorted to draconian measures to silence criticism and restrict freedom of speech,” Takiyuddin said in a statement.

He called for an end to the “intimidation and harassment” of the Hulu Kelang assemblyman.

Takiyuddin also cited a Federal Court ruling that elected representatives must be allowed to perform their duties without harassment or undue influence.

Yesterday, Azmin, the Selangor PN chairman, said he had been notified to appear at the Shah Alam police headquarters today to give a statement.

In March, Azmin had urged the Selangor government to explain PKNS’s decision to sell its development rights for PJ Sentral, which was expected to yield a return of RM1.04 billion, to Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) for RM270 million.

A month later, he alleged that Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari had ordered that a police report be made against him following his exposure of alleged misconduct within PKNS.

Azmin, a former Selangor menteri besar and PKR deputy president claimed the police report was aimed at silencing him.