Speaker Art Harun to talk to police after Sepanggar MP called in over Parliament speech

 

KUALA LUMPUR: After Datuk Azis Jamman (Warisan-Sepanggar) was called in for questioning over a speech made in Parliament, Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun says he will speak to the police over the matter to ensure that MPs right to speak in the House is upheld.

"I will go through Sepanggar's speech and god-willing, I take this matter seriously and I will communicate with the relevant parties in order to uphold the right to speak in the House," said Azhar shortly before debates on the Finance Ministry in Parliament began on Wednesday (Nov 24).

The matter was raised by Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) after Question Time in the House on Wednesday morning, saying that it seemed as though the police were intimidating MPs when they called in Azis for questioning.

Lim defended Azis, saying that the former deputy home minister was merely voicing out the grievances of Sabahans.

Lim urged Azhar to make a ruling on the matter in order to uphold the sovereignty and sanctity of Parliament.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson) then stood up and agreed with Lim, saying that any issues regarding an MP's speech can be referred to Parliamentary select committees for action to be taken.

The Opposition leader said it sets a dangerous precedent for the country when the police chose to question Azis over his speech.

"I have also read the text of Azis' speech, it does not tread on treasonable offences," added Anwar.

There was a brief light moment when Anwar imitated a ruling made by United Kingdom Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Nov 17 in the House of Commons against UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"Johnson was told, 'Hey, Mr Prime Minister, I'm the Speaker of the House, you listen and I decide'.

"Of course, I'm not suggesting you (Azhar) do that, but that is the spirit of the UK Parliament," said Anwar, to which Azhar chuckled and said he had also watched the video where Lindsay delivered the stern ruling.

Nga Kor Ming (PH-Teluk Intan) then stood up and stressed that the Dewan Rakyat was the highest debating chamber in the country and all MPs must be allowed to speak without fear or favour.

"I want to remind here that under Section 124 of the Penal Code, action can be taken against the police if they obstruct MPs from carrying out their duties."

Azhar took over, and thanked the MPs for raising the matter with him, as he only found out about the matter when he read the news.

"I only read it online this morning, I would like to give Sepanggar a minute or two," he said

Azhar then pledged to look into the matter, to which Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin (PH-Hang Tuah Jaya) stood up and asked if the Inspector-General of Police should be fined over the matter.

"It's okay, I will look into it. I do not wish to fine anyone," said Azhar, before he ordered debates on the Finance Ministry to commence.

MPs have the legal immunity when speaking in the Dewan Rakyat. However, this immunity does not apply to cases involving the Sedition Act 1948. - Star