The Dewan Rakyat today rejected an opposition motion to refer Umno politician Astaman Abdul Aziz (BN-Titiwangsa) - who has been found guilty of money politics - to the parliamentary privileges committee.

Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) said in his motion that Astaman should not be allowed to attend the current sitting since Umno has suspended him for three years.

Lim said Astaman should be referred to the privileges committee so that the matter could be debated and voted upon. He also said that action against Astaman would safeguard Parliament's reputation and credibility.

Deputy Speaker Lim Si Cheng rejected the motion on the ground that Astaman's suspension as a member of Umno did not affect his status as a member of Parliament.

He said there was no provision in the Standing Orders to discuss party matters and told Lim not to raise such issues.

At one juncture, Umno vice-president and Federal Territory Minister Mohd Isa Abdul Samad told the House that Astaman was appealing the suspension and that it would be inappropriate to discuss whether or not to bar him from the House.

The deputy speaker replied that there was no necessity to inform the House on the progress of party matters.

In a press statement issued earlier, Kit Siang said Umno leaders and members found guilty of money politics should not be immune from the consequences of the law.

"It would be most scandalous and outrageous, besmirching the reputation and dignity of Parliament if an Umno MP found guilty of money politics and suspended for three years can still continue as a MP...without hindrance," he said.

Astaman was among one of twenty party members suspended by the party's disciplinary committee for being involved in money politics in the run up to the party elections last month.