Kit Siang – the man who wasn’t there
Gelang Patah MP attends Dewan Rakyat despite six-month suspension
KUALA LUMPUR: DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang was at the centre of two uproars in the Dewan Rakyat by being both present and “absent”.
This was no quantum physics paradox, just the Gelang Patah MP attending yesterday’s sitting of the House despite a six-month suspension imposed on him on Wednesday.
To counter his act of defiance, Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin coolly responded that he could not see Lim in the Dewan and ignored him when he spoke.
During the session, Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkily Jusoh (BN-Setiu) raised a point of order to alert Pandikar Amin to Lim’s presence.
“According to the Standing Order, a member who has been suspended cannot take part in the proceedings until their suspension period is over, but I see Gelang Patah still here.
“I hope action will be taken against him,” Che Mohamad said.
To this, Pandikar Amin simply replied that he could not see Lim.
A commotion ensued with several lawmakers accusing the Barisan MP of causing a ruckus while Che Mohamad countered that he was merely following the rules.
“This is the problem with the Opposition, you cannot accept reality,” he said.
Pandikar Amin allowed the commotion to go on for several minutes before stepping in, saying he wanted to hear the MPs’ arguments first.
“This is your Parliament. Even if I say anything, no one listens. So you do as you like.
“I said I didn’t see Gelang Patah because even if I instruct him out again, what is the point?
“I don’t want to get involved in your antics, Yang Berhormat. When the foreign media sees this, it gives an impression that Parliament has lost its ethics and manners.
“I will sit here patiently until you are satisfied,” Pandikar Amin said, looking nonchalant.
The Speaker said he was setting a precedent.
“I don’t see the person I instructed to go out,” he added.
When Lim stood up to ask about the status of his suspension, Pandikar Amin did not respond.
Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar was then told to table the Fire Services (Amendment) Bill 2018 for its first reading.
Lim continued to seek clarification on his suspension but another commotion ensued when Noh Omar said he “heard something”.
“What is this? I hear a noise, but I don’t see anyone,” he said.
Lim asked again if his suspension was for 10 days or six months, but Noh responded by calling him hantu (ghost).
This riled some Opposition MPs who called Noh rude and “a gangster minister”.
Noh retorted and said others should not interfere.
Pandikar Amin told the media later that the six-month suspension on Lim stands.