TASEK Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan has been referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee to determine whether the statements he made in February and March were misleading to the Dewan Rakyat.
The motion stated that Wan Saiful’s remarks on matters currently under court consideration could be construed as “detrimental to the interests of the parties in the case”.
The motion, agreed upon a bloc vote, was proposed by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and presented before Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
The session became chaotic when the Opposition MPs present yesterday walked out during the voice vote, which resulted in a majority agreement to the motion. The Speaker then adjourned the sitting for lunch.
Wan Saiful, a member of Bersatu’s supreme council, has been charged with money laundering and corruption related to the Jana Wibawa scheme that was executed during the pandemic.
Before the decision was made, Johari allowed two members across the political divide to debate the motion.
Beluran MP Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee from the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition asked which Standing Order the House was referring to, suggesting that if it was 36(12), it must meet three criteria: Firstly, that the statement is misleading or likely to mislead; secondly, that it was known at the time that the statement was incorrect and thirdly, that there was intent to mislead.
He noted that in the motion tabled, Wan Saiful is said to have discussed matters currently under the court’s consideration, which could be deemed prejudicial to the parties involved in the case.
“The wording of the motion is sub judice, as it refers to matters under court consideration.
“Why are you (the Speaker) allowing this? You are the Speaker, you must uphold the Standing Orders. Do not insult us here,” he said.
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan of Pakatan Harapan pointed out that the motion was not intended to punish Wan Saiful but part of the process to refer him to the Rights and Privileges Committee.
He emphasised that the committee comprised both government and opposition MPs and they were following due process.
“I believe that if what Tasik Gelugor (Wan Saiful) said is true, he will have no problem defending himself,” Syahredzan added.
At a press conference later, Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Speaker should respect the explanation made by the Opposition.
“He even has the power to extend time for or postpone the motion but instead, he bulldozed through the decision. This is unreasonable and illegal,” he told reporters.
Opposition Whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the bloc will consider if it is appropriate for the Speaker to also be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee.
