KUALA LUMPUR: “I am disappointed,” said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun (pic) as he reprimanded Members of Parliament (MPs) on the uproar in the House yesterday over the Sulu Sultanate claim issue.
“When we make a ruling, let's abide by it. There is an alternative and procedure for it. Let’s not create chaos,” he said.
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“I was very disappointed yesterday. Two of our young sergeant-of- arms were not respected at all,” he added.
Azhar was asked by Datuk Rozman Isli (Warisan-Labuan) on whether the two-day suspension issued against Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Warisan-Kota Belud) still stands as Deputy Speaker Datuk Rashid Hasnon who presided over the session had briefly said that he was willing to retract the ejection order if she abided by the rules of the House.
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Responding to that, Azhar said the suspension was still in effect, adding that he also witnessed the sequence of events through the monitor.
“As per my understanding, the deputy speaker said he can retract the order if YB Kota Belud sat and allowed the proceeding to continue but the conditions were not fulfilled,” he said.
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He also said the Opposition should not bend the rules when it is favourable to them. Azhar said he was willing to distribute a photocopy sheet of the rules to lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor) interjected and said the Opposition did not for once disrespect the sergeant-at-arms.
Hanipa Maidin(PH-Sepang) said the people are disappointed because the MPs were not given space to raise the matter.
Azhar said he has always given a leeway to MPs and has always been accommodating.
“It is okay if you don’t respect me. I am old and going to die. The sergeant-of-arms are young. They were standing there for 40 minutes and they were ignored,” he said.
He also went on to question where is the respect for the royal seal which was in the house.
He then went on with the order of business as Hanipa and Dzulkefly continued to say that his actions were unfair.
On Monday (July 18), chaos ensued in the Dewan Rakyat after an Opposition MP was issued a two-day suspension for pressing the House to address the issue of the Sulu claim on PETRONAS's assets and Sabah.
Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Warisan-Kota Belud) continued to press for the matter to be discussed in the house after Azhar Azizan turned off her microphone and went on with the order of business.
Azhar later explained that he had to reject the motion as it would be subjudice since there were ongoing proceedings involving the matter abroad.