Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's claim in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that no promises of allocations were made during by-elections may land him in hot water. In Najib's written parliamentary reply to Wong Ho Leng (DAP-Sibu), the premier said RM37.7 million in allocations were approved during the Sibu by-election, but stressed that they were not carrots for votes.
Today, Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Bandar Kuching) responded by attempting to file a motion against Najib for misleading the House and refer him to the parliamentary rights and privileges committee.
Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia deferred his decision pending a study on the matter.
“We have evidence of him making a speech in Rejang Park on YouTube. He (Najib) said: 'You help me, I help you. If you deliver Robert Lau, I will allocate RM5 million',” a vexed Chong told reporters later.
Speaker cannot direct ministerial answers
Earlier, Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) sought an explanation from Pandikar over the deferment.
“If the ministers are always giving inconsistent answer, this shows that they are irresponsible. I am seeking advice from you (Pandikar), what is the rule that I can use to make sure that the ministers conduct their duties satisfactorily,” she asked.
Pandikar replied that under Standing Order 23, the speaker cannot compel the ministers to answer to her satisfaction.
“I cannot be asked to judge the answers of the ministers. In fact, if the ministers decide not to answer at all any questions asked, this decision cannot be debated in order to indict someone for misleading the House,” he explained.
Pandikar added that there are three facts to be established before someone can be indicted for misleading the House.
“First the fact must be wrong. And when the fact is found to be untrue, the person still maintains that it is. That constitute an intent to mislead the House,” he said, thus maintaining that he cannot decide on Chong's motion immediately without an investigation.
Vague reply
Yesterday, in his written reply to Wong, Najib said that the government has never promised projects or programmes for the public during by-election campaigns, “including in Sibu”. He claimed that such activities that were implemented during the by-elections were planned before the event. Of the RM37.7 million in allocations, RM28.67 million were spend on cash contributions (sumbangan/bantuan).
Wong was furious over the scant reply from Najib and demanded a full breakdown of allocations, especially the 66 items listed as cash contributions.
“We don't know what these 66 items are. Do they include the infamous RM5 million promise?” he asked.
source:malaysiakini
This Pandikar guy is not a "pendikar" when BN MPs including Pak Jib are involved in misleading the house.
But when come to opposition members he will do what so ever to make sure the opposition member "tentu kena punya", here he is a real pendikar...........
cheers.
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