“The courts should expedite whatever hearings are necessary to resolve these legal questions,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

Syed Hamid, who has also served as home and foreign minister, said those with jurisdiction over the matter, including the Attorney-General and the government, were entitled to carry out their respective responsibilities, and their should not be regarded as interference unless a court determines otherwise.

Syed Hamid also urged all parties to refrain from making conflicting public statements, saying these could heighten public anxiety and make it more difficult to reach a reasonable and rational resolution.

“Malaysians are confused, and outsiders are also confused. This is no longer an internal matter involving a particular group or state because it has become a public dispute that people want to see resolved.

“This affects confidence. It is not good for Malaysian politics or public perception,” he said.

Syed Hamid said any action involving a person’s position or removal from office must be carried out in accordance with the procedures and provisions set out in the Constitution and relevant laws.

-- BERNAMA