KUALA LUMPUR: Any indication of a vacancy for the role of Opposition Leader in the Dewan Rakyat must be presented through official documentation, says Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor.
He also said neither he nor fellow Deputy Speaker Alice Lau had yet to receive any instructions on this, or any notice from the Opposition indicating a vacancy.
"At the end of the day, the one making the final decision would be the Speaker, to ensure there is no clash among decisions made.
"We need black-and-white for the matter to ensure it qualifies from a legal perspective in the Dewan Rakyat,” he said on Monday (Feb 23).
Ramli also reminded MPs to maintain decorum and refrain from saying things that would irk others.
"Remember, this is the fasting month. Let’s not run our mouths.
"If you are raising issues, go straight to the point and don’t waste time. Everything in this House should be focused on the rakyat and nothing else," he said.
The status of the Opposition Leader has yet to be addressed as the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes its meeting after a week-long break for Chinese New Year and the start of Ramadan.
This comes following the sacking of Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, the current Opposition Leader, from Bersatu on Feb 13.
PAS, the party with the highest number of seats in the Opposition bloc, has said that the new leader will be appointed from its MPs.
Dewan Rakyat Standing Order 4a(1) states that there must be a leader of the Opposition in the House.
Standing Order 4a(4) further provides that the decision of the Speaker will be final if there is a dispute over the selection of a candidate to lead the Opposition bloc.
"If any doubt or dispute arises as to who is or has been the Leader of the Opposition at any material time, the question shall be decided by Tuan Yang di-Pertua and his decision, certified in writing under his hand, shall be final and conclusive," it read.
