Senate president boots MPs out of Parliament lobby

Senate president Abu Zahar Ujang today booted out opposition MPs who were holding a press conference in the lobby of Parliament.

The MPs, including Public Accounts Committee deputy chief Dr Tan Seng Giaw and Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, were speaking on 1MDB when they were told to leave, since the Dewan Rakyat was not in session.

Also told to leave were Teluk Kemang MP Kamarul Bahrin Abbas, and Selayang MP William Leong.

"This is Dewan Negara, not Dewan Rakyat," Abu Zahar told them as he was passing by in the lobby.

He then told the security officers to evict the MPs, who cooperated and then resumed their press conference outside the lobby.

Both the lower and upper Houses of Parliament currently share the same hall, as the proper Parliament building is undergoing renovations.

Later, in the House, Abu Zahar further explained his action.

"Opposition or BN MPs should not disturb the proceedings. If Dewan Negara is in session, MPs should not disturb it.

"Likewise, if the Dewan Rakyat is in session, senators should not intrude.

"We must respect the Dewan that is in session. I hope the security will know their duty," he said.

Pua said he had no quarrel with Abu Zahar.

"I have no argument with him, but we as MPs have a right to use the facilities provided to us.

"What we can't do is enter the House because the Dewan Negara is in session," Pua added. -Mkini