KUALA LUMPUR: Political activist Syarul Ema Rena Abu Samah, better known as Ratu Naga, has sued the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly denying her right to representation during an investigation last month.

       The originating summons was filed through Messrs Daim & Gamany at the High Court registry on Feb 26.

       She named the MACC chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, and the government as the first and second respondents, respectively.

       In a supporting affidavit, Syarul Ema said she was detained and taken to the MACC headquarters by its officers to be investigated on Feb 16.

       The detention, she said, happened after the MACC conducted a raid at her home.

       During the investigation, Syarul Ema said she was denied the right to be represented by a lawyer.

       She claimed that her lawyer's request to be given access to represent her during the questioning was also declined.

       StarPicks

       Championing sustainability and urban biodiversity

       According to Syarul Ema, the defendants' action to deny her the right to representation was unreasonable and with bad intentions.

       She is seeking, among other things, a court declaration that she has the legal right under Article 5 of the Federal Constitution to be represented by a lawyer when she is examined orally and questioned under Section 30(1)(a) of the MACC Act 2009.

       She is also seeking a declaration that denying her the right of representation is unlawful and unconstitutional for violating Articles 5 and 8 of the Federal Constitution.

       On Feb 16, Azam denied that Syarul Ema was detained but said she was called to state the MACC instead.

       Syarul Ema is under investigation over allegations that she received some portion of a contribution given to an NGO.