Perak assembly rejects motion to suspend speaker

An attempt by the opposition to table a motion to suspend state assembly speaker SK Devamany failed after it was rejected.

The motion which was tabled by the opposition's chief whip Ngeh Koo Ham was due to Devamany’s action in suspending Aulong state assemblyperson from DAP, Leow Thye Yih, for a month from attending the state assembly sitting from April 1.

The action was made against Leow after he accused Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir of soliciting commissions from developers for property projects in Taiping.

Devamany said the state assembly rejected the motion under Standing Order 17 because it had no public interest, not a specific matter and not something which had to be speeded up.

According to Devamany the opposition’s motion, among others, was mixed up with his position as MIC deputy president.

In a media conference later, Devamany said he was ready if the opposition wanted to take legal action against him including suing him.

“This (suit) is not something new, it is up to them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir in another media conference said it was the right of the opposition to sue Devamany and the state government had no problem.

“It is the individual’s right, we cannot stop anybody. Like if I want to sue the Aulong state assemblyperson, it is my right. I also have my right when I am accused.

“I see the speaker as the member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has a good experience on matters pertaining to the running of the state assembly,” he said.

Zambry said the one-month suspension of Leow should be used as an example to all government and opposition state assemblypersons.

“The action is not to defend the menteri besar but this is about the shame made and then practiced in the state assembly. It is a matter of the behavior of a member of the state assembly.

“The accusation is so wild in nature and can become something serious if not curbed,” he said.

- Bernama