Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia said his position is legitimate according to the federal constitution.

He said Article 57(1)(a) of the federal constitution states that the Speaker could be picked among the members of parliament or those qualified although they were not MPs.

"I was appointed as Speaker under the category of those qualified for the post," he said when opening phase four of 'Perlembagaanku' (My Constitution) campaign organised by the Bar Council at parliament building today.

Pandikar Amin said nobody should make unsavoury comments at the Speaker adding in other countries, Speakers were respected and their decisions accepted without question.

"But over here, an MP who is a mere lawyer can call the Speaker a dictator. Obviously there is a big difference," he said.

A website posting quoted Gelugor MP Karpal Singh challenging Pandikar Amin to resign as Speaker and contest the general election.

He said although Karpal had belittled him and showed disrespect to the Speaker, he was not offended being called a dictator.

The Speaker urged MPs to be more responsible when issuing statements and to respect the federal constitution.

- Bernama