27 BN reps stage walk-out

IPOH: Twenty-five Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen yesterday staged a walk-out from the state assembly to protest against Speaker Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham, whom they claimed was bias in his actions.

However, three PAS assemblymen sat through to take part in the debate.

The BN representatives later returned to their seats.

State Opposition Leader Datuk Saarani Mohamad (BN-Kota Tampan) said, “it was debate time and we found the speaker speaking on behalf of the ruling coalition”.

“He even got into the debate ... and replies questions raised. He should not have intervened or defended anyone.

“He wanted to answer on behalf of the government and when we (the Opposition) debate, he got involved.

“The speaker should not be showing off ... If he (continues) to show this attitude he will not be able to control the proceedings,” Saarani told reporters.

The drama unfold when Saarani, while debating the budget, congratulated Ngeh who had been listed as the richest MP based on assets declared by elected representatives.

In respond, Ngeh raised the issue of power seize by BN from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in 2009. PR ruled the state for only 11 months before BN took over the administration.

This caused a commotion resulting in the walk-out by BN representatives.

Saarani likened the speaker to a referee in a soccer game who has to be fair, lest the players would get into a fight.