PARLIAMENT | Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun chastised opposition lawmakers today, accusing them of disrespecting Parliament ushers who were tasked to evict a Warisan MP yesterday.
He also asked the parliamentarians to reflect on whether their conduct had disrespected a royal symbol which gives Parliament legitimacy.
The Dewan Rakyat descended into chaos yesterday after an emergency motion to debate the seizure of Petronas assets by the purported heirs of the Sulu sultanate was rejected.
During the commotion, Deputy Speaker Rashid Hasnon suspended Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Warisan-Kota Belud) and ordered the Lower House's bentara (ushers) to evict her from the chamber.
However, opposition MPs crowded around Isnaraissah, preventing the ushers from physically ejecting her. She only left when she wanted to do a press conference in the media room.
Commenting on this incident, Azhar said he was very saddened that MPs had prevented the ushers - whom he described as youths - from doing their jobs.
"They stood there for 40 minutes, (the opposition) showed absolutely no respect to our youths who work in Parliament.
"It's ok if you don't respect me. I am the speaker, I can take it. That is my life, my duty.
"But please respect our youths who work as ushers, they were only doing their jobs," Azhar added.
Royal mace
Dzulkefly Ahmad (Pakatan Harapan-Kuala Selangor) defended the opposition’s actions, saying they were not targeted at the ushers.
However, this prompted Azhar to point to the royal mace in the Dewan Rakyat.
"They (ushers) stood there, at a loss, ignored. Their authority was not respected.
"The royal mace lies before us. Whom did we disrespect yesterday? What is the significance of this mace?" he asked.
The royal mace symbolises the power of the monarch and the authority of Parliament.
The Parliament website states that without it, both the Dewan Rakyat and Senate lack legitimacy, and both Houses can't convene.
Suspension stands
Azhar's lament came after Rozman Isli (Warisan-Labuan) stood to ask whether the two-day suspension against Isnaraissah was still in effect.
This was as Rashid had offered to retract it yesterday.
However, Azhar pointed out that Rashid had said the retraction was on condition that the Kota Belud MP sit down and stop interfering with proceedings, which she did not.
Hence he said the ruling stands.
Azhar also railed against both government and opposition MPs for not respecting standing orders and Parliamentary precedents.
He said that under Erskine May - a Westminster Parliament system doctrine - decisions on emergency motions are final, and that any review must be done via another motion.
MPs should not only cite Erskine May when it benefits them, Azhar added. - Mkini
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