MP for Ipoh Barat M Kulasegaran has been suspended from attending Dewan Rakyat proceedings for four days.

Deputy Speaker Lim Si Cheng issued the order following an argument with Kulasegaran over the presence of the Speaker and his two deputies in the chamber while the Members of Parliament Remuneration Amendment Bill was being debated.

The Bill was tabled to amend the remuneration of the Speaker and his two deputies.

Kulasegaran was of the view that their presence was not proper since the debate would cover the issue of their salary.

Lim explained that he was not there to join in the debate, but to only to chair the session.

However, Kulasegaran continued arguing and was backed by his DAP counterparts. This created a furore with Barisan Nasional (BN) and DAP MPs exchanging words.

Lim could not control the situation and ordered Kulasegaran to leave the chamber, after issuing the four-day suspension under Standing Order 44(2).

"Yang Berhormat (Kulasegaran) has no respect at all. I've made the decision with a very heavy heart. If you're not satisfied, you can move a motion," he told Kulasegaran who refused to leave.

He then called on the sergeant of arms to escort Kulasegaran out of the chamber.

At that juncture Idris Harun (BN-Tangga Batu) and Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) urged Kulasegaran to respect Lim's decision and leave as directed.

Lim adjourned the session for 30 minutes to restore calm.

‘Right to disagree’

Speaking to reporters at the lobby later, Kulasegaran said he has nothing against the Speaker and his deputies, but felt that certain things needed to be put right.

"He may be right, he may be wrong. But unfortunately, he was replying to certain matters which should be replied by the minister," he said.

"I may be disliked by the Speaker, but that's beside the point. He must discharge his duties without fear or favour. I'm not bothered. I don't care if he wants to expel or throw me out because it is the people in my constituency who will decide."

Kulasegaran, also a lawyer, said he has the right to agree or disagree with certain issues and that he would continue to express his opinion even after his suspension ends.