BN MPs walk out after Bung, Tajuddin told to leave

Reports by MARTIN CARVALHO, HEMANANTHANI SIVANANDAM and TARRENCE TAN 

BARISAN Nasional MPs staged a walkout from Dewan Rakyat after two of their members were booted out by Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon.

Datuk Seri Tajuddin Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) and Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinaba­tangan) were asked to leave after they refused to heed Mohd Rashid’s call not to interrupt proceedings.

It started when Datuk C. Sivarraajh (BN-Cameron Highlands) walked into the House to take his seat as Chan Ming Kai (PH-Alor Setar) was about to begin debating the Finance Bill 2018.

Bung Moktar stood up, cited Standing Order 36 (6) asking Mohd Rashid to get R.S.N Rayer (PH-Jelutong) to retract his allegation and apologise to Sivarraajh.

“His (Rayer) malicious allegation had resulted in Cameron Highlands being asked to leave the House and lose his privileges as an MP for two days. He must apologise for this,” he said.

Taking the day off: Opposition MPs posing for a picture after walking out in protest at Parliament. — Bernama

Rayer refused to apologise, which resulted in a shouting match between several Barisan and Pakatan Harapan lawmakers.

Mohd Rashid told the MPs that Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof had resolved the issue earlier in the day and his ruling was final.

However, Tajuddin and Bung Mokhtar refused to heed Mohd Rashid’s call not to interrupt the proceedings.

“The matter is not resolved until Rayer apologises as it involves an important issue and we seek justice,” Tajuddin said.

Mohd Rashid ordered the sergeant-at-arms to escort the two MPs out.

“Deputy Speaker need not order me out as I am leaving the House myself,” Tajuddin was heard saying.