Tajuddin to face rights body

PASIR Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman has been referred to Parliament’s Rights and Privileges Committee for asking if Chin Peng’s ash was used as vibuthi (sacred ash) by a Pakatan Harapan lawmaker.

The decision to refer Tajuddin to the committee came after Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran moved a motion under Standing Order 48, saying that he did so as Tajuddin’s remarks was insulting to Hinduism and disrespected the House.

Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming told lawmakers that he will only allow one MP from Pakatan and the Opposition, respectively, to debate the motion before it was put to vote.

However, a heated shouting match broke out between several Opposition and Pakatan lawmakers shortly after Ram Karpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) began his debate.

“What happened in the Dewan that day was very clear and what was said by him (Tajuddin) was not only recorded in Parliament’s Hansard but has since gone viral,” he said.

Tan Sri Noh Omar (BN-Tanjong Karang) interjected, saying that Tajuddin had already been punished with a two-day suspension for his remark on Tuesday.

The war of words continued with Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) accusing Nga of being unfair.

“If you (Opposition) don’t want to debate and continue to cause a ruckus, I will not hesitate to put the motion to vote immediately without any debates,” Nga said after his calls for order was ignored.

Nga then put the motion to vote with the House passing it amid continued shouting from Opposition MPs.