DAP's Segambut parliamentarian Lim Lip Eng has filed a complaint to Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia to refer Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson Hasan Arifin to the rights and privileges committee.

He said this was over Hasan postponing a crucial PAC meet to hear the Auditor-General's report on 1MDB, saying that most PAC members were overseas.

Lim said Hasan did not name those PAC members who were overseas and whether they had sought leave.

“Such an action is not only a breach of duty but it also seems like it is to confuse and deceive the people and Parliament.

“His (Hasan's) statement and actions have breached the Dewan Rakyat’s rights and privileges. The privileges committee should consider the matter and issue an appropriate response,” read Lim's complaint.

Section 80(2) of the Standing Order stipulates that whenever the House was not sitting, a member may bring an alleged breach of privilege to the notice of the speaker.

If the speaker is satisfied that a prima facie breach of privilege has been committed, he will refer the matter to the privileges committee which shall deliberate and report to the Dewan Rakyat.

Currently, the Dewan has been adjourned until March 7.

Lim said he hoped Pandikar could accept his complaint.

“I want Hasan to be referred to privileges committee and be punished severely.

“Though he cannot be jailed for this, he should be put behind bars,” Lim told Malaysiakini when contacted.

Lim said according to his sources, there were only three PAC members currently abroad, including Hasan.

“We have three members overseas, for which two obtained leave to perform the umrah in Mecca.

“The third person who is abroad is Hasan. He went overseas two days ago but did not inform the PAC beforehand.

“I want to ask, where did Hasan go to cari makan ? Are you meeting (Malaysian billionaire) Jho Low to discuss 1MDB? I want him to explain.”

'Don't play around'

Lim said Pandikar, who is the privileges committee chair, should not reject his complaint.

“Don’t play around. Do not think that Parliament is your backyard,” he warned, adding the speaker should not strike out the complaint without a reasonable excuse.

Two days ago, Hasan said the auditor-general’s report on 1MDB could not be tabled as scheduled yesterday as most PAC members were overseas .

Hasan’s contention was questioned by DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang who asked why most PAC members were abroad when they knew the report would be tabled.

Lim, who is also MP for Gelang Patah, also claimed that only three PAC members were currently abroad.

Malaysiakini has contacted Hasan for a response.