KIT SIANG SLAMMED FOR REMARKS AGAINST KING OVER ROYAL ADDRESS

DAP adviser has stated that he is disappointed with royal address

DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang has been described as “insolent” over his statement which was deemed to be disrespectful towards Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.

This follows the opposition leader’s statement at a press conference yesterday, where he appeared to question the royal address by the king at the opening of the first meeting of the sixth sitting of the 13th parliamentary session on Monday.

Lim, who is also Gelang Patah member of parliament, had stated that he was “disappointed” with the royal address, which he regarded as a “policy speech” by the government under Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s leadership.

Hulu Terengganu member of parliament Datuk Seri Jailani Johari said Lim’s statement displayed his insolent attitude, and that he had no respect for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the royal institution.

“By rights, when the Yang diPertuan Agong makes a royal address, he (Lim) should concur.

“He should have taken the opportunity to debate on the motion of thanks and not make comments outside the Dewan Rakyat to criticise his speech.

“We also noticed that when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was making his address, there were members of parliament (from the opposition) who were talking among themselves.

“Some also did not adhere to the parliament dress code. This is a prime example of their insolence,” he said.

Sekijang member of parliament Anuar Abd Manap called for Lim to be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948 over his statement, which he deemed to be insulting to the king.

He said Lim’s statement made it seemed as if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was seeking to “play politics” with an address that purportedly sided with the government.

“The address had no political rhetoric; instead it touched on the cost of living, education and the economy.

“Do not politicise His Majesty’s address. It is obvious that the opposition is afraid of the Barisan Nasional’s (BN) strength to the point that they assume that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is playing politics.”

Lenggeng member of parliament Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said Lim’s statement reflected his political immaturity.

“I would also like to question the stand adopted by the Pagoh member of parliament (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) or other Pakatan Harapan leaders, and whether they agree with Kit Siang’s statement.”

Earlier yesterday, Lim, at a press conference, had said that the royal address was a “policy speech” by the government.

Lim had also said that he was “disappointed with the speech”.