Ex-MCA veep pans Jamal for telling rep to ‘get out of Selangor’

 Ti Lian Ker says it is the duty of elected representatives to raise questions, express differing views, and propose alternatives.

Former MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker said free speech within the legislative assembly must be protected. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 A former MCA vice-president took Jamal Yunos to task for his “authoritarian mindset” after the Umno man told a DAP assemblyman to leave Selangor over a proposal for a modern, closed pig farming system in the state.

Ti Lian Ker said an assemblyman was elected to represent the wishes of constituents and should not be silenced.

“It is the duty of an elected representative to raise questions, express differing views, and propose alternatives,” he said.

Ti also said free speech within the assembly must be protected, and that assemblymen should be allowed to speak and debate without intimidation.

“The notion that one must agree or be told to leave the state reflects an authoritarian mindset that contradicts the spirit of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia.

“If normalised, it destroys checks and balances and replaces them with fear and suppression,” he said in a Facebook post last night.

Yesterday, Jamal ticked off Wong Siew Ki, the Seri Kembangan assemblyman, over the proposal, calling her rude.

The Selangor Barisan Nasional communications director said Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had called for a complete end to pig farming in the state.

“She can get out of Selangor if she does not want to accede to the Selangor sultan’s wishes,” Jamal said in a statement.

Ti said the BN leadership could not remain silent and allow one bad apple to spoil the bunch.

“They must convene, uphold the rule of law, and not allow irresponsible statements to damage the coalition’s credibility and standing.” - FMT