JOHOR BARU – Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani reprimanded Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman (Muar-Muda) who had made snide remarks against him after a motion to discuss the littoral combat ship (LCS) scandal in detail was rejected.
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat, Johari stressed his impartiality as a speaker and emphasised that he treats all members of the august house equally, regardless of their political affiliations.
He went on to address Syed Saddiq’s comment regarding the rejection of his motion, clarifying that the decision was based on the fact that the motion did not comply with the relevant standing orders.
He highlighted that the Defence Ministry is required to present a report on the development of Littoral Combat Ships to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) every three months.
“The PAC had already decided to conduct investigations and will visit Lumut regarding the LCS issue to conduct investigations.
“The matter can be discussed once the PAC report is available,” Johari said.
He reiterated that his role as the speaker is to implement the provisions outlined in the parliamentary Standing Orders and the federal constitution, adding that both documents were created by the MPs themselves.
Speaker Johari emphasised that it is unfair for Syed Saddiq and others to attack him and his deputies and urged the Muar MP to refrain from engaging in political games with him, stressing that he is a speaker and not a politician.
In response to the rejection of his motion, Syed Saddiq had earlier raised the matter in Parliament, requesting reconsideration and suggesting that the issue be taken to the Special Chamber for detailed discussion.
He emphasised the urgency of the LCS scandal, highlighting its significance to the nation's security and the significant financial investment made by taxpayers.
The littoral combat ship project, which began in 2013, has faced multiple delays and increased costs.
Last month, an agreement was reached between the government and shipbuilder Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS), reducing the number of vessels from six to five and raising the cost per vessel to RM2.24 billion. – The Vibes, June 8, 2023
