Sivarraajh told to leave Dewan Rakyat sitting as status is unclear

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC Youth chief Datuk C Sivarraajh was told to leave the Dewan Rakyat temporarily yesterday after his status as a Member of Parliament was questioned following the recent court order to nullify the Cameron Highlands election results.

With about 10 minutes to go before the Dewan Rakyat adjourned for a break, Sivarraajh’s presence was questioned by RSN Rayer ( PHJelutong) while Human Resource Minister M. Kula Segaran was winding up a debate on Budget 2019 at committee level for his ministry at the Dewan Rakyat.

“The Election Court had ruled that the Cameron Highlands seat be vacated as there were elements of corruption involved in the previous elections. The decision still stands. Dewan Rakyat has not been informed of any new decision.

“I wish to ask the chairman ( Dewan Rakyat Speaker) how Cameron Highlands could enter and sit in his place. We must respect the court’s decision. I wish to ask for a ruling by the Speaker on this matter,” said Rayer.

Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof then asked Sivarraajh if the court’s decision was subject to a stay order.

Sivarraajh said he was not sure if he could attend the Dewan Rakyat sitting or not.

“I did not check, but I have 14 days (to file an appeal)...the stay order (should be) automatic when I filed the appeal,” he said.

Mohamad Ariff then ordered Sivarraajh to leave the Dewan Rakyat temporarily and seek legal advice.

“I wish to advise Cameron Highlands to see a legal expert to decide if the appeal filed automatically results in a (temporary) suspension of the court order. This is important. Otherwise, if there’s no stay order, (then) you are a stranger to the House.

“For now, please leave, get legal advice and give it to the Speaker,” he said.

Sivarraajh told reporters at the Parliament lobby that he had sought legal advice and was told that as long as the High Court has not sent a ‘judicial notice’ to the Speaker that the Cameron Highlands seat has been vacated, then he is still a gazetted Member of Parliament and can be present at the Dewan Rakyat.

“I will meet the Speaker to explain it,” he said.

The Election Court had on Nov 30 declared Barisan Nasional’s ( BN) victory for the Cameron Highlands Parliamentary seat at the 14th General Election as null and void due to bribery. — Bernama