Sabah approves motion to bar Nurul Izzah, Tian Chua

The Sabah state legislative assembly has passed a special motion to bar PKR vice-presidents Nurul Izzah Anwar and Tian Chua from entering the state.

The Star reported that the special motion was passed over Nurul Izzah's meeting with self-styled Sulu princess Jacel H Kiram in Manila earlier this month.

Tian Chua has been accused of masterminding the meeting.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Raymond Tan had tabled the special motion to censure the two MPs as the meeting was seen as an affront to the sovereignty of the state.

Jacel's father, Jamalul Kiram III, had ordered his younger brother Agbimuddin Kiram to lead an armed intrusion into Kampung Tanduo in Lahad Datu, Sabah, in February 2013.

Tan, in his motion, also called for an investigation to be carried out and appropriate legal action to be taken against the two MPs.

Chief Minister Musa Aman in response said that he would take note of the views presented by the members of the assembly before deciding on an appropriate action.

Inspector-general of police Tan Sri Khalid Abu also reportedly said that Nurul Izzah will be giving her statement to the police tomorrow as Jacel at the time was a spokesperson of Jamalul Kiram.

"This is because I have to answer to the families of the security forces who were killed during the attack on Lahad Datu," said Khalid, as quoted by Bernama.

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, meanwhile, noted that both Nurul Izzah and Tian Chua have explained that they had not arranged for the meeting with Jacel.

Wild allegations

Nurul Izzah has reportedly also expressed regret for the hurt caused to the families of the slain soldiers and that Jacel was just one of the guests invited by the event’s host.

“Despite this, top government leaders and police have spared no efforts in vilifying Nurul Izzah including making wild allegations of treasonous conduct. These politically motivated attacks are disgraceful and cowardly,” said Azmin in a statement.

“The latest move by BN MPs to take punitive action against Nurul Izzah through Parliament is both undemocratic and a gross abuse of the parliamentary process," he said, referring to a reported motion to refer the Lembah Pantai MP to the parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee.

“If carried through, it is nothing short of the tyranny of the majority showcasing once again BN as the big bully on the block,” he added.

The motion is expected to be tabled on Dec 3, after Parliament has concluded all debates on Budget 2016.

Jacel's father, Jamalul Kiram III, had in February 2013 ordered his younger brother Agbimuddin Kiram to lead an armed intrusion into Kampung Tanduo in Lahad Datu, Sabah, resulting in the deaths of 10 Malaysian security personnel.