KUALA LUMPUR, 6 Nov 2008: Two DAP members of parliament (MPs) Fong Po Kuan (Batu Gajah) and Chong Chieng Jen (Bandar Kuching) were ordered to leave the Dewan Rakyat today after they questioned a decision by Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.
Fong had earlier rose and said that Pandikar Amin was ignoring her request to ask for clarification on points raised during the debate for the Supplementary Supply Bill 2009 although she had repeatedly asked for permission.
“I have been asking for permission since yesterday but was not given the chance. I want to know what are the criteria used by the Speaker to determine who should or should not speak?” she said.
Pandikar Amin replied, “The answer is… I did not see you.”
Fong was adamant in wanting clarification from Pandikar Amin although at that time Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz was winding up the debate on behalf of the Prime Minister’s Department.
Pandikar Amin warned her to sit down but Fong ignored him, prompting the speaker to order her to leave the proceeding.
Chong, who rose and questioned Pandikar Amin’s decision, also saw him being ordered out of the Dewan Rakyat.
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang asked Pandikar Amin reconsider the decision.
Pandikar Amin said his decision was final. — Bernama
