Commenting on a PPBM leader’s response to the call, he said the government should be able to take the heat since it had been known to comment on issues in other countries, such as Myanmar.
He told FMT there was a similarity between the Asean MPs’ recent statement and Malaysia’s criticism of Myanmar’s recently ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi over the treatment of the Rohingya.
Both had to do with upholding the Asean Charter, he said.
“Since Malaysia is a part of Asean, it has the responsibility and commitment to uphold the charter, which includes a pledge to adhere to the principles of democracy, rule of law and the protection of human rights.
“Since Malaysia is party to the charter, it has to honour its commitment and should not be upset that MPs from other countries are raising the issue. We are accountable for what we sign.
“It’s also important to note that this group has also expressed its concern over developments in Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia,” he said.
On Tuesday, 90 MPs and former elected representatives from Asean countries urged the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the prime minister to allow Parliament to reconvene to keep Putrajaya accountable.
They are members of Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights, of which Santiago is the current chairman.
PPBM Supreme Council member Mohd Rafiq Mohd Abdullah responded by saying Malaysia did not need the interference of foreign politicians in determining its direction, adding that involving them in domestic affairs was akin to “pawning the nation’s sovereignty”.
Santiago said Mohd Rafiq’s response was nothing more than “political theatre”.
He said the statement from the 90 present and retired MPs demonstrated a regional concern over the impact the emergency had on Malaysia’s democracy.
“Instead of making unfounded claims of foreign interference, the ruling party should instead ensure that Parliament can function as effectively as possible and that decisions that are made can help protect people’s lives amid this devastating pandemic,” he said.