Haniff's free legal advice to critics: Complain to minister instead

Lawyer Haniff Khatri Abdulla, who is also chairperson of the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda), has refused to give in to calls for him to resign from his Perda post for appearing as counsel for Muhammed Yusoff Rawther.

Reiterating his earlier statement that he can’t refuse any client except in exceptional circumstances, Haniff said those unhappy with his rebuke should write to Rural and Regional Development Minister Rina Harun instead.

“As a responsible Perda chairperson, and a solicitor and advocate, who abides by the rule of law that the Pakatan Harapan government also respects, I will not submit to threats and intimidation.

“In closing and as free advice to my statement, you are urged to write directly to the rural and regional development minister to put forward your complaints for the minister to decide.

“Until then, I will continue performing my duties as Perda chairperson until my appointment is terminated by the minister, or I myself decide to quit once I have done my duties as Perda chairperson, or if I die; whichever comes first,” he said yesterday evening.

Haniff was responding a group of pioneer supporters of Anwar Ibrahim, “Pro '98 Reformis” who gathered in Bukit Mertajam in mainland Penang yesterday and called on him to quit as Perda chairperson.

The group also accused Haniff of harbouring “higher ambitions” by appearing as counsel for Yusoff (above, on the right), who had accused PKR president Anwar Ibrahim of sexual misconduct.

They also told Haniff to focus on reforming Perda, instead of playing ‘political games’ involving Yusoff.

Haniff pointed out that his appointment as Perda chairperson is not a full-time engagement, and that it does not hinder his work as a lawyer.

On the contrary, since his appointment, which took effect on Jan 4 this year, he was able to go to Perda’s office for two days each week until May to expedite matters. Since June, he said, he goes to Perda’s office for two days every fortnight to supervise and manage Perda’s programmes.

“Those interested can review and study the full details of Perda assignments, work, and programmes that have been implemented under my watch as chairperson at Perda’s office or at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry,” Haniff said.

Prior to the Yusoff case, he said he was also involved in representing clients against the federal government in six different court cases since the 14th general election. Yet, no one had questioned his professionalism then.

“It’s it wrong and a blunder to label this as ‘gutter politics’ without an investigation… just because of Yusoff’s allegation of sexual misconduct against a Pakatan Harapan leader.

“The principle of rule of law does not allow anyone to be above the law, regardless of the position of the individual involved.

“To me, the Penang Pro-'98 Reformis’ statement on Dec 12 amounts to threats and intimidation based on false allegations against me, so that I would either stop representing Yusoff or quit as Perda chairperson,” Haniff added.