Bakri MP Er Teck Hwa has admitted that he made a mistake by attending a parliamentary briefing today and has publicly apologised.
Er said although he read news reports about Pakatan Rakyat's plans to boycott of the briefing - to symbolise its protest against electoral fraud - he was not aware of any official instruction for him to do so.
Er (seated, giving thumbs up sign) said normally, such instructions are sent through text messages and emailsfrom the central committee of his party, the DAP. Since he was unaware of such correspondence, he didn't treat it as an order.
Thus, he was the sole Pakatan MP present at the briefing and was quizzed about his presence by the media. Er then called the party headquarters, which confirmed that instructions on the boycott had indeed been sent out last week.
"This is my mistake for not thoroughly going through all the messages and email on this specific order to boycott today's briefing and stirring up more controversy on the current political scenario.
Er said although he read news reports about Pakatan Rakyat's plans to boycott of the briefing - to symbolise its protest against electoral fraud - he was not aware of any official instruction for him to do so.
Er (seated, giving thumbs up sign) said normally, such instructions are sent through text messages and emailsfrom the central committee of his party, the DAP. Since he was unaware of such correspondence, he didn't treat it as an order. Thus, he was the sole Pakatan MP present at the briefing and was quizzed about his presence by the media. Er then called the party headquarters, which confirmed that instructions on the boycott had indeed been sent out last week.
"This is my mistake for not thoroughly going through all the messages and email on this specific order to boycott today's briefing and stirring up more controversy on the current political scenario.
'Apologies for my inappropriate actions'
"I would like to express my most sincere apologies for my inappropriate actions and humbly accept any disciplinary action that might be taken against me," Er said in a press statement this evening.
The briefing today was conducted by outgoing speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia on some technical issues involving the operations of Parliament.
Pandikar (left in photo) explained that the briefing wasnot compulsory, but that it would be beneficial for the new MPs.
Since he was the only Pakatan representative presence, Er's appearance drew friendly jeers from the BN MPs there. A number of BN MPs even wagged their index finger at Er, to make fun of the fact that he was alone.
When met earlier today, a nonchalant Er said that he had chosen to attend the briefing to find out whether there were any new parliamentary regulations.
The briefing today was conducted by outgoing speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia on some technical issues involving the operations of Parliament.
Pandikar (left in photo) explained that the briefing wasnot compulsory, but that it would be beneficial for the new MPs.Since he was the only Pakatan representative presence, Er's appearance drew friendly jeers from the BN MPs there. A number of BN MPs even wagged their index finger at Er, to make fun of the fact that he was alone.
When met earlier today, a nonchalant Er said that he had chosen to attend the briefing to find out whether there were any new parliamentary regulations.
Nevertheless, DAP party whip Anthony Loke said he needs one or two days to consider whether to accept Er’s explanation or refer him to the party disciplinary committee.
Although Er admitted his mistake and apologised publicly, the Seremban MP finds some of the explanations “hard to be accepted” and said he needed time to find out the reasons behind Er's action.
“Out of the 38 people (DAP MPs), how come he’s the only one (who didn’t read the email), while the other 37 saw it?” Loke asked.
Meanwhile, DAP disciplinary committee chairperson Tan Kok Wai said the matter ould only be referred to the committee if Loke was dissatisfied with Er’s explanation.
Although Er admitted his mistake and apologised publicly, the Seremban MP finds some of the explanations “hard to be accepted” and said he needed time to find out the reasons behind Er's action.
“Out of the 38 people (DAP MPs), how come he’s the only one (who didn’t read the email), while the other 37 saw it?” Loke asked.
Meanwhile, DAP disciplinary committee chairperson Tan Kok Wai said the matter ould only be referred to the committee if Loke was dissatisfied with Er’s explanation.
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