KOTA Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has challenged what he describes as inappropriate Cabinet involvement in matters of the Dewan Rakyat, following the recent move that led to his suspension being referred for further scrutiny.
The Perikatan Nasional chief whip argued that decisions concerning the conduct and affairs of the Lower House should be made solely by the legislative branch, not deliberated upon or decided in Cabinet meetings.
“We are puzzled as to why the business of the House is discussed and decided in the Cabinet. In Malaysia we have the concept of separation of powers involving three bodies, namely the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. These three branches must not interfere with one another,” he said during a press conference after attending a community engagement event with the Indian community at the Kelantan Trade Centre on Friday night.
“Nothing like this has ever happened before. Matters relating to the Dewan Rakyat should be decided by the Dewan Rakyat. So the question must be asked of the Law Minister as to why this has happened.”
Takiyuddin said he found it strange that a decision relating to the suspension of an MP could originate from the Cabinet when such matters are ordinarily handled by the Speaker or the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges.
“It has never happened in the Dewan Rakyat that the Cabinet decides on a suspension or anything related to it. That is the question that remains unanswered.
“I do not think this is a major issue, just a routine one. Many have been suspended before: Karpal Singh, Lim Kit Siang, Anwar Ibrahim, Azmin Ali and most recently the Machang MP… all suspended for six months.
“But why the situation has escalated to this extent in my case, I really do not understand.”
He reiterated that the decision should rest with the Speaker as head of the legislative institution.
“It is strange… out of the ordinary. Ask the Law Minister. She (Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said) was even in Parliament when my case was brought up; she was in the chamber. Very odd… it has never happened,” he said.
Sinar Harian previously reported that the Cabinet on Friday decided that Takiyuddin be referred to the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges for further examination. According to the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the move was in line with the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat.
She stated that, pursuant to that decision, the motion already tabled in the Dewan Rakyat would be adjusted to enable the matter to be formally referred to the Committee for consideration in accordance with established procedures. - December 6, 2025
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