IPOH: Perikatan Nasional is appealing for Perak PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria's six-month suspension from the state assembly to be reduced.
Acting state Opposition whip Zainol Fadzi Paharudin (PN-Sungai Manik) said a motion was submitted to the Speaker about an hour before the sitting on Tuesday (Sept 9) and hoped that it would be considered.
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"It was his first offence.
"I hope the Speaker will take into consideration the needs and voices of his (Razman's) constituents," he told a press conference here on Tuesday (Sept 9).
"He has also apologised (to) the Rights and Privilege Committee, noting that it was not his intention to offend anyone and cause any racial sentiments," he added.
In an announcement earlier, state Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid said he had received a motion from the Opposition.
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Razman, the state Opposition leader and Gunung Semanggol assemblyman, was given the lengthy suspension in April after a motion was tabled accusing him of making slanderous and racially-charged remarks.
During the Dec 2 sitting last year, he alleged that Malaysians had raised the China flag at an event in Teluk Intan.
The suspension only covers assembly meetings, and Razman may still serve his constituency.
Zainol Fadzi said Razman was unable to perform his duties properly during the suspension.
"Within a year, we can only have maybe three sittings.
"The motion needs to be expedited or discussed.
"We hope he can be given the chance to bring up the voice of his constituents," he added.
The state assembly sitting is currently standing down due to a faulty audio issue.
