PKR has slammed a lawyer for sensationalising the issue of de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim refusing to accept a subpoena served on him in Parliament, saying the former should observe the “proper etiquette” for serving the writ.

NONE The party’s legal bureau director Latheefa Koya ( right ) said that news reports accusing Anwar of refusing the subpoena on March 28, calling Anwar to assist the court in a lawsuit against Hong Leong Finance Berhad were untrue.

D Paralingam, counsel for the defendant in the case of  Hong Leong vs Low Thiam Hoe filed in 1998, had made the accusation.

“We are shocked at the ignorance displayed by the lawyer on basic and fundamental Parliamentary rules and privileges, i.e. no summons nor court processes can be affected upon any members of parliament in the premises of the Parliament.

“The lawyer’s action to serve the subpoena at the Parliament premises was a wrongful act and may invite contempt of Parliamentary proceedings,” said Latheefa today in a statement.

She said the party de facto chief was “ever ready” to appear in court, but said the lawyers should observe the “proper etiquette” of fixing an appointment with Anwar.

“D Paralingam may contact (Anwar’s lawyers) Messrs Daim & Gamany to fix an appointment in order to serve the subpoena, if he is truly interested to call Anwar as a witness and not resort to unwarranted sensationalism,” added Latheefa.