KUALA LUMPUR – Several government lawmakers today urged for the Batu MP to be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee for allegedly violating his home surveillance order by attending the Dewan Rakyat sitting last Thursday.
Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (BN-Arau) said such conduct should not be taken lightly as it could endanger the health and safety of other MPs should P. Prabakaran test positive for Covid-19.
“This is a grave violation, so I request the speaker himself to refer him (Prabakaran) to the Rights and Privileges Committee, as the penalty by he Health Ministry is different.”
Echoing Shahidan’s sentiment was Tan Sri Noh Omar (BN-Tg Karang), who said Parliament has to take its own action because lawmakers have immunity and cannot be charged over things they do in the House.
In reply, Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun said he takes note of the matter, and will see whether Prabakaran could be referred to the committee.
Earlier, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor (BN-Putrajaya) and Datuk Seri Santhara Kumar (Bersatu-Segamat) requested Azhar’s ruling on the action that should be taken against Prabakaran and a review of last Thursday’s voting session.
However, the speaker said to penalise or compound individuals who violate Health Ministry or National Security Council orders is not within his jurisdiction.
“Actually, on that Thursday, the sergeants-at-arms and I did not realise the matter. But when we checked the voting list later, the Batu MP did cast his vote.
“I have no power to penalise or issue a compound, so I advise anyone who wishes to bring this matter further, to file a report with the relevant authorities.”
Prabakaran had attended the committee-stage debate and vote for the Communications and Multimedia Ministry’s budget. – Bernama, December 17, 2020
