KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 -- Party leaders who are being investigated for misbehaviour by the authorities should go on leave until at least the investigation has concluded, said PKR information chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin.

He said taking a hiatus from official duties would aid the authorities, as the rakyat still doubt the independence of enforcement agencies in the country.

"This social doubt will become even more intense, should the authorities be seen or perceived as conducting investigations with the aim of protecting individuals in power," Shamsul said in a statement.

In the spirit of Malaysia Baharu, he said all parties including political leaders and civil servants should be responsible in helping to restore public c...