How will the Speaker act without party notification?

Question

Accepted Answer

Speaker Awaits Formal Party Notification for MP's Seating Arrangement

The Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, has indicated that he will defer a decision on the seating arrangement for Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him until formal notification is received from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) regarding Sim's membership status. While the Speaker has acknowledged receiving a letter from Sim himself detailing a year-long suspension from the party, he has stated that official communication from the DAP is a prerequisite for any action concerning Sim's position in Parliament.
Formal Party Communication is Essential for Speaker's Action

Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has explicitly stated that he cannot act solely on a letter received from an individual Member of Parliament, even if that letter concerns a party suspension. The established parliamentary procedure requires that such matters of membership status be formally communicated by the political party itself to the Speaker's office. Until this official notification is presented, the Speaker maintains that he lacks the necessary basis to make a determination regarding Sim Tong Him's seating arrangement or parliamentary standing.
MP Sim Tong Him Seeks Clarification on Status

Sim Tong Him, the Member of Parliament for Kota Melaka, has himself written to the Speaker to seek clarity on his position within the Dewan Rakyat following his year-long suspension from the DAP, which commenced in February. Sim's correspondence aimed to understand how this suspension would affect his seating and his ability to continue his duties as a representative. He has expressed a desire for his party to definitively clarify whether he is to be considered an independent lawmaker or if his status within the DAP remains in some capacity.
Contrast in Notification Procedures for Suspended Lawmakers

A distinction has emerged in the handling of suspended lawmakers, as evidenced by the situation in the Malacca state legislative assembly. While the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat awaits formal notification from the DAP, it has been reported that Duyong assemblyman Goh Leong San, also suspended by the DAP for a year, was formally recognised as an independent lawmaker in the state assembly. This suggests that different procedural norms may be applied at the federal and state levels when dealing with party suspensions and their impact on legislative representation.
DAP Disciplinary Action Leads to Suspension

The year-long suspension for both Sim Tong Him and Goh Leong San was issued by the DAP's disciplinary committee, effective from February 7. The disciplinary action reportedly stems from allegations that the two lawmakers disparaged the party, with the circumstances linked to a court case involving another party member. Both Sim and Goh have indicated that they will not be appealing this decision, citing personal animosity as the basis for the disciplinary measures.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How will the Speaker act without party notification?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends