Klang MP Charles Santiago’s question on the absence of investigations into claims of vote-buying during the Sibu and Hulu Selangor by-elections has been chucked out of Parliament.

Based on a letter delivered to him today, his question was deemed to be “subjudice” because an election petition was filed on May 24 on the same matter.

malaysia parliament parlimen The letter signed by Dewan Rakyat secretary Roosme Hamzah cited Standing Orders which prohibit questions being brought before the House which touch on any matter before the courts.

Santiago had asked why the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Election Commission are not investigating the prime minister for using public funds to buy votes in the Hulu Selangor and Sibu by-elections.

Another question about the Sibu by-election submitted by Fuziah Salleh (PKR-Kuantan) was also rejected.

Two other questions about Sibu made it to the final list of questions, although neither was answered in the House today.

M Manogaran (PKR-Teluk Intan) has asked if the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry will allocate RM1 billion to Teluk Intan to mitigate flooding, given that a pledge had been made to Sibu.

Abdul Aziz Abdul Kadir (PKR-Ketereh) asked the prime minister to clarify whether the immediate awarding or approval of development projects during an election campaign contravenes provisions against bribery under the Election Offences Act 1954.