Wan Fayhsal's suspension from Dewan Rakyat appropriate - expert

The immunity and privileges enjoyed by MPs during speeches and debates in Dewan Rakyat sessions are limited through provisions enshrined in the Federal Constitution, political and constitutional experts said.

They added that elected representatives need to be of exemplary character and curb the tendency to incite while speaking or debating because it is a prohibited matter as outlined in detail in the Constitution.

Constitutional expert Prof Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain told Bernama that although MPs had immunity and are protected during debates in the Dewan Rakyat, they needed to be responsible for their statements.

He described the six-month suspension of Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal of Perikatan Nasional from Dewan Rakyat as appropriate as he acted unprofessionally and violated the code of conduct and meeting procedures.

“Privileges accorded to lawmakers under the protection of parliamentary immunity do not mean they are given complete freedom during debates in the Dewan Rakyat or Dewan Negara.

“Wan Fayhsal should know (the code of conduct) but why does he still use baseless points without valid facts during debates? To me that’s not an abuse of immunity, breaching the code of conduct as an MP,” he said.

Wan Fauzi (above) said this in response to the Bersatu chief’s suspension after he cited an anonymous letter, which allegedly revealed the mastermind behind the takeover of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).

The International Islamic University academic said in Malaysia, MPs are limited by certain rules, including not touching on sensitive issues. Under Clause (4) Article 10 such acts could be an offence under the Sedition Act 1948 for making a statement of seditious tendency.

Political analyst Mujibu Abd Muis said all MPs are responsible for fulfilling their mandate as legislators professionally and constructively in the interests of the public.

His observations led him to believe that this was not reflected in the behaviour of certain MPs in the Dewan Rakyat who used the sessions as a “political stage” instead of discussing important public matters.

“Some of them prefer politicking instead of being a legislator. They don’t use the opportunities to debate well but churn out political soundbites for popularity.

“It’s time we look at the quality of MPs. They need to repent, reflect and realise that they are in Parliament in the capacity of representatives who carry the voice of the people,” he added.

- Bernama

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