Minister proposes new code of conduct for MPs after Nurul Izzah’s gaffe

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (left) calls Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar's action a 'blunt gesture of disloyalty' to Malaysia. – The Malaysian Insider pic, November 25, 2015.Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman today proposed the setting up of a new code of ethical conduct for federal lawmakers, saying this was a priority in order to "regulate" them, especially when meeting with foreigners.

This comes even as the government moves a motion to censure Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar for meeting with Jacel Kiram, the daughter of self-proclaimed Sulu sultan Jamalul Kiram III, by referring her to the rights and privileges committee.

Azalina, who is minister in charge of parliamentary affairs, said the initiative to set up a new code of conduct for MPs could be part of the parliamentary reform efforts being pushed by Speaker of the House Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.

"Having seen the current occurring behavioral misconduct of certain MPs, a code of conduct, or more accurately a code of ethical conduct, must be a matter of priority as it is to regulate our MPs especially in meeting foreign groups," Azalina said.

"This initiative can be part of the parliamentary reform efforts which are crucial as eloquently put by the Speaker of the House to uphold the dignity of our Parliament."

Azalina said despite Nurul Izzah's attempts at apologising for her gaffe, her conduct was unacceptable and contradicted the oath she had taken.

"Despite her attempts at apologising, as an honourable member of the August House, her conduct is unacceptable, contrary to the oath she took, that is to solemnly protect the nation and uphold our Constitution, which means she is fully aware of her responsibilities and particularly in the matter of our national sovereignty."

Nurul Izzah's meeting with Jacel was highly criticised as the latter's father Jamalul was the mastermind behind the Lahad Datu incursion in 2013 by his Sulu militants, which left scores of Malaysian security forces dead.

A minister in the Prime Minister's Department put forward a motion to refer Nurul Izzah to the rights and privileges committee for going against her oath as an MP to protect the country and defend the Constitution.

The motion appeared on the Order Paper in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Nurul Izzah, who is also PKR vice-president, has expressed regret for the hurt caused to the families of the slain soldiers, and said she never sought to meet with Jacel and had never been acquainted with her before.

However, Azalina said Nurul Izzah's actions were a "blunt gesture of disloyalty" to Malaysia, adding there could be no compromise in the matter.

"There can be no compromise here nor will any attempt by any Parliamentarian to breach their oath to the August House be tolerated," she said.

"Therefore the government decided to put forward a motion under Standing Orders 27(3) and 80 to refer the MP from Lembah Pantai to the Rights and Privileges Committee which gives her the opportunity to explain herself to the Committee.

"The crux of the matter is that she failed to answer clear questions about her meeting with Jacel Kiram."

- TMI