I only tabled gov't motion against Nurul, says Azalina

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Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said says she has no personal agenda in bringing up the motion to refer Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai) for action for her meeting with the Sulu sultanate princess.

"I would like to repeat and stress that the motion to subject her to the Rights and Privileges Committee is a government motion and not a personal motion by me as the MP of Pengerang," Azalina said.

"Furthermore, the motion was debated and decided by the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 3, 2015," she said in a statement today.

Azalina urged Nurul Izzah to use the opportunity to explain herself, rather than to over-politicise the issue.

"I hope she is aware of her obligation and duties when she is called by the committee," she added.

Nurul Izzah, who was called by the committee for the first time on Tuesday to explain her meeting with Jacel Kiram, filed a complaint with the committee.

She questioned if she would be judged fairly , since Azalina, who raised the motion against her, also sits in the Rights and Privileges Committee.

Azalina, however declined to comment further, saying that she was bound by Parliament's Standing Orders.

"I am not in the position to comment on any matter that is still under consideration of the committee," she added.

Suspension from Parliament

Yesterday, Nurul said the worst-case scenario awaiting her was a one-year-suspension from Parliament.

"Maybe you can ask Azalina what is the worst (thing) she can do to Nurul Izzah," said the PKR lawmaker.

On Dec 3 the Dewan Rakyat approved a motion by Azalina that Nurul be referred to the committee.

This follows the PKR vice-president’s Manila meeting with Jacel Kiram, daughter of Jamalul Kiram II, the person responsible for the Sulu incursion in Lahad Datu.

The motion was approved with 105 supporting and 88 against after it was debated for more than an hour.

The two-term MP admitted meeting Jacel and apologised to the victims of the Lahad Datu incursion after a photo of her and Jacel was uploaded onto social media.



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