KOTA KINABALU: The highest level of the Federal Government is taking action over claims by the self-proclaimed Sulu heirs and there is no need for any parties to “shout at the top of their voices” over the issue, says Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) said that the ruling made by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun to reject calls to debate the defunct Sulu Sultanate claims over Sabah and the bid to seize two subsidiary companies under PETRONAS in Luxembourg must be respected.
“The Speaker has made a point that there was no need to debate on the legal action filed by the Sulu Sultanate at the Paris Arbitration Court in France openly (in Parliament) as it would be sub judice," he said.
There were rules and laws in Parliament, and as such, there was no point for the Opposition to “shout at the top of their voices” just to get public attention since the Speaker had made a ruling, Ongkili said in a statement Thursday (July 21).
"Of course, we are all concerned regarding the case and its impact on the security of Sabah. The Speaker, as usual, was guided by the in-depth analysis on the relevant Standing Orders and with reference to legal advice of the best legal brains in Parliament," said Ongkili, who is Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president.
The Kota Marudu MP said the Federal Government has set up a task force, led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and a panel of top lawyers, including the Attorney General, to monitor progress on the legal action taken by the Sulu Sultanate in France, as well as advising the Federal Government in terms of strategies pertaining to the protection of Malaysia's assets overseas.
"As responsible MPs, I believe it is important that our actions must be guided by the laws of Parliament and national security priorities, " he said.
On Monday (July 18), a ruckus broke out during the Parliament sitting after motions to debate the Sulu claims were rejected by the Speaker, which led him to leave his seat while Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis was ejected from the House. She was later issued a two-day suspension.
A second attempt on Wednesday (July 20) was also shot down by the Speaker who explained that it was his responsibility to ensure the rules of the House are respected and prevent disorder in the Parliament.
