KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Noh Omar questioned police’s decision to compound fellow Umno member Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman for not wearing a face mask in Parliament yesterday, arguing that lawmakers should be given immunity when on the premises.
Noh raised this point when debating on the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The Tg Karang MP said in his 25 years of being a lawmaker, he has yet to experience a situation where the authorities are allowed to take action against MPs while in Parliament.
He also noted how enforcement officers are constantly present to ensure standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance during the special parliamentary sitting.
“Authorities should not be allowed in; they cannot even issue summons unless under the orders of the Dewan Rakyat speaker. But, if they can enter, then where is our immunity?
“What I know is that this area is an immunity area (for MPs), but now we have photos being taken. And I note that Pasir Salak (Tajuddin) was also fined.
“You may fine (the MP), but wait outside the Parliament gate, not in the compound. This is an immunity area.”
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun, in response, said MPs should set a good example to the people, adding that it is vital for everyone to abide by SOPs.
“Although Parliament is independent, we need to show a good image to the public that even we need to abide by all rules. We are only given immunity in what we say (in Parliament).
“As such, I would like to advise all of you to follow SOPs and let the Health Ministry conduct its duty.”
Police issued Tajuddin a compound yesterday, after a photo of the latter not wearing a face mask in the company of another person at the Parliament lobby went viral.
Sentul police chief Beh Eng Lai in a statement said investigation revealed that Tajuddin committed the offence at 2.30pm in the complex yesterday, and that a compound notice was served to him on the same day.
This is the second time the Umno man is hit with a fine for failing to wear a face mask during the pandemic. Early last month, he was slapped with a RM1,500 fine after addressing a press conference without wearing a face mask on May 25. – The Vibes, July 28, 2021
