THE seating arrangement of Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (pic) with the Perikatan Nasional bloc in Parliament was raised during debates following his recent sacking by his party.
The issue was raised by Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka), who questioned why Wan Saiful was still seated with the Opposition bloc although his Bersatu membership was terminated.
“Tasek Gelugor, as we know, was sacked by his party.
“Why is he still seating with the opposition? Is he still with the opposition or an independent?,” Khoo asked.
Wan Saiful responded by saying that he was still appealing his termination by Bersatu.
“In the party, we are allowed to submit appeals,” he told Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Alice Lau.
Khoo interjected by asking Wan Saiful if he still wanted to remain in Bersatu, but was told by Lau not to interrupt proceedings any further.
Earlier, Wan Saiful questioned the state of free speech in the country, following the arrest of blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris or Papagomo on Sunday for allegedly making seditious remarks.
RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) interjected to remind Wan Saiful that the government allowed an anti-Trump rally to be held on Sunday as an example of freedom of expression.
Rayer took a swipe at Bersatu, saying that the party “has no freedom of speech”.
He cited Bersatu’s internal circular warning members not to engage with or attend events organised by suspended or expelled members.
The circular, which was signed by Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, was criticised for curbing freedom of association and speech under the Federal Constitution.
On Oct 14, Bersatu’s disciplinary board had sacked five leaders, including Wan Saiful, for violating the party’s code of conduct.
Four who were sacked are all division chiefs namely Mohd Azrudin Mhd Idris (Hang Tuah Jaya), Mohd Faizal Asmar (Pengerang), Mohd Fadhli Ismail (Ipoh Timur) and Mohd Isa Mohd Saidi (Ampang).
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal had his membership suspended for one term.
Those affected were given 14 days to file an appeal with the party’s Appeals Board.
