Perak assembly slaps 6-month suspension against Razman

Summary

• The Perak assembly slaps Gunung Semanggol assemblyperson Razman Zakaria with a six-month suspension.

• This comes after DAP assemblyperson Ong Boon Piow tabled a motion to suspend the PAS leader following a Rights and Privileges Committee report against Razman was endorsed by a majority of reps.

• UPDATED 12.10PM | However, Pasir Bedamar rep Woo Kah Leong views it as a ‘mild punishment’.

The Perak state assembly has slapped a six-month suspension on opposition leader Razman Zakaria, effective immediately, according to Sinar Harian today.

Earlier, Ong Boon Piow (Harapan-Bercham) tabled a motion against the Gunung Semanggol assemblyperson in the house, which was seconded by Shahrul Zaman Yahya (BN-Rungkup).

The action was taken against the PAS leader after the latter was referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee on Dec 4 last year over alleged slander and racially charged statements.

On Dec 2, Razman told the assembly that Malaysians had raised China flags during an event held in Teluk Intan on Oct 24.

While earlier claiming Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming had officiated the event, Razman later apologised after the former threatened legal action.

The motion to suspend Razman was enforced after a majority of assemblypersons voted today to endorse the committee’s report.

Track record of faux pas

It was not the first time Razman was caught making allegations against Pakatan Harapan leaders, only to backtrack later.

In a speech in January, Razman claimed that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh was the daughter of YTL Corporation Berhad’s founder, Yeoh Tiong Lay.

He later apologised and admitted he was mistaken after the Segambut MP denied his claim.

In 2023, he apologised to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in court as part of a settlement over his claim that Anwar said in a campaign speech that he would promote an LGBTQ agenda.

He was also ordered to pay damages to DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng in 2023 and former Perak menteri besar Nizar Jamaluddin in 2017 after being found liable for defamation.

‘Mild punishment’

Perak state executive councillor Woo Kah Leong said the punishment meted out against Razman could be considered mild, given the latter’s track record in slandering his opponents.

He reminded the public that even the prime minister was not spared from the PAS leader’s slander, adding Razman has now lost his credibility as a political leader.

The Pasir Bedamar assemblyperson urged the opposition to reflect on the matter and stop slandering others.

“Perikatan Nasional leaders must serve as a check and balance to the government of the day by asking real questions pertaining to Perak’s development, the people’s concerns and the state’s policies.

“Practise mature democracy in your conduct, and I hope we can do everything in our power to make the Perak state assembly an institution worthy for others to emulate,” Woo added.

DAP Youth chief tells 'slander king' Razman to self-reflect

PAS puts Razman on garden leave, Perak Amanah Youth rejoices

'DAP controls Perak sermons': Former exco lodges report against PAS leader

Razman: Govt must ban 'Becoming Hannah' from being sold to Muslims

Penang PAS Youth defends Razman against 'pro-DAP' faction in party

Razman’s mistake isolated case, doesn't represent PAS - Takiyudin