Pandikar Amin defers debate on Hadi’s Bill amid protest

DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia decided to defer the debate on PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s Bill to the next meeting in July, to much protest from the floor.

Pandikar Amin, however, overrode all protests, saying he was exercising the power vested in him in making the ruling.

He went on to share a saying he had heard.

“If you are in power, you are powerful. If you don’t use your powers, you are a bloody fool.

“Today, I am free to manage the proceedings. And I will use my discretion as the Speaker to defer the debate to the next Parliamentary meeting,” he said.

Earlier, he expressed his elation that he was not bound by Standing Order 15 to conduct proceedings.

Standing Order 15 states that Government business shall have precedence over private member’s business.

“First, I am happy because for once I have full powers to manage the proceedings without any constrictions of Standing Order 15,” he said.

Abdul Hadi, the Marang MP, was allowed to table amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act, also known as RUU355 and gave a 20-minute explanation on the reasons why he wanted to propose amendments to allow Syariah courts to impose stiffer penalties.

Only Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan (PAS-Kota Baru) was allowed to debate in support of Abdul Hadi’s motion. He did so for almost two hours.

Two MCA MPs interjected as Takiyuddin was speaking, voicing their concerns over the proposed amendments.

Datuk Koh Nai Kwong (BN-Alor Gajah) asked if the proposed amendments were unconstitutional while Khoo Soo Seang (BN-Tebrau) was concerned over the element of hudud.

Pandikar Amin said the explanations given by Abdul Hadi and Takiyuddin helped him have a clearer understanding of the proposed amendments.

“I now understand RUU355 clearly. Before this, it was vague. After listening to them, I am now clear.”

He then said he would defer debate to the next meeting, which is expected to start from July 24.

There was chaos in the House when he made the announcement with several opposition MPs shouting at the Speaker for not allowing them to speak.

Khalid Samad (Amanah-Shah Alam) questioned if the debates were only for Umno and PAS.

Pandikar Amin had also ruled earlier that there was no need to get the consent from the Conference of Rulers as Abdul Hadi was merely proposing amendments to RUU355 and not introducing a new law.

He said this in response to Gooi Hsiao Leung (PKR-Alor Setar) who asked about the lawsuit filed by Mohamed Tawfik Ismail against Pandikar Amin and Dewan Rakyat secretary Datuk Roosme Hamzah.

“Amendments have been done a few times before and there is no need to get approval from the Conference of Rulers as the Act is already there (since 1965),” he said.

He further explained that the rule of sub judice cannot impede Parliament from performing its function to enact laws, and there must be a clear separation of powers between the judiciary and legislature.

The frustrated opposition MPs are now planning a mock Parliament debate on the Bill.

Pandan PKR MP Rafizi Ramli said the mock Parliament would be held at a different location, and would be streamed live some time next week.