Mohamad Ariff has no issue with his removal

FORMER Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof says that he has no issue over his removal from the Speaker’s post as it was done in accordance with the Constitution.

“I have no problems as I had previously said that I would vacate the post if it was done based on the rules and the Constitution.

“It was decided by the Members of Parliament, not the Prime Minister or Cabinet, ” Mohamad Ariff said at a press conference at the Parliament lobby.

He noted that this was the constitutional and democratic principle which must be upheld with regards to the appointment of the Speaker and his deputy.

Although the motion to remove him was accepted with a razor-thin majority, Mohamad Ariff said he abided by the decision as it was made by the lawmakers themselves.

“He who appoints has the power to remove. This is the principle of the Constitution, ” he said.

However, he cautioned that his removal would set a dangerous precedent with the country being one of the few which had removed a sitting Speaker.

Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming also announced his immediate resignation from his post.

“In solidarity with Mohamad Ariff, I serve the government which was chosen by the people.

“I hereby announce that I resign from my post with immediate effect as a matter of honour and principle, ” he said.

Nga had earlier submitted his resignation letter to the Dewan Rakyat secretariat.