Re-tabling of defeated motions sets dangerous precedent, warns MP

 

A motion to extend a pre-trial detention clause under Sosma was passed after it was re-tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The re-tabling of a motion in the Dewan Rakyat to extend a pre-trial detention clause sets a “dangerous precedent”, an opposition MP said.

DAP’s Dr Kelvin Yii said MPs who opposed the extension had objected to the government’s move to re-table the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) motion after it was defeated previously.

“Today’s act has created a dangerous precedent as it will only create a practice where the government would just keep re-tabling its defeated motions until the Parliament wills it,” the Bandar Kuching MP tweeted.

Yesterday, the extension of the provision under Sosma, which allows for a 28-day detention period, was passed by the Dewan Rakyat.

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Dr Kelvin Yii.

Home minister Hamzah Zainudin had re-tabled the motion after it was voted down during the last parliamentary meeting.

It was passed after 105 MPs voted in favour and 83 against, with the remaining 32 MPs absent.

In March, Hamzah tabled the motion to extend the enforcement of sub-section 4(5) of Sosma for another five years.

It was defeated, with 85 MPs voting in favour and 86 against. The remaining 49 MPs were absent. - FMT