KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has been spared from a six-month suspension from Parliament for now, following an hour-long clash between both sides of the bench.
Takiyuddin was on the brink of facing a six-month suspension after Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah tabled a motion for the Kota Bharu MP’s suspension over his remarks linking the
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) exercise at Masjid Rusila in Marang, Terengganu, to the 1985 Memali incident.
However, he was spared when Shamsul Anuar decided to postpone the motion, after providing an explanation to the allegations raised by the Opposition.
“We understand and after we have heard all the debates and taken into consideration the views. On behalf of the government, I ask for this motion to be postponed (for voting),” said Shamsul Anuar.
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin then thanked Shamsul Anuar for the move.
The motion described this as an attempt to instil fear among the public and to cast a negative light on the image and reputation of MMEA personnel in the public service.
In his defence, Takiyuddin said he should be given a chance to appear before Parliament’s Rights and Privileges Committee instead of MP’s voting to decide on whether he should be suspended.
“Send me to the Rights and Privileges Committee of Parliament. Give me the right to a trial. I have the right to be heard,” said the Kota Baru MP as lawmakers debated the motion on Thursday (Dec 4).
“I have a triallable case,” he added.
Takiyuddin said as a “professional and gentleman”, the Kota Bharu MP said he had no qualms facing the committee to prove his case but not for MPs to decide his fate in the House.
Meanwhile, Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said Takiyuddin had been given a chance to apologise but had not done so.
Earlier, during debates Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (PN–Beluran) questioned the Standing Order which allowed the minister's motion to be tabled.
Hamzah, on the other hand, said Takiyuddin questioned procedural issues and not the agency itself.’
“Take a closer look at the Hansard. Everyone should read it,” he said.
Hamzah, Takiyuddin, Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) and Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) were the four MPs who debated the motion.
