Dewan erupts as Muhyiddin seeks to replace speaker
He says others have been nominated for the post.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) today tabled a motion for Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof to step down as Dewan Rakyat speaker.
Speaking in the Dewan, he said there had been other nominations for the post.
However, the opposition said a debate must be held before the matter is put to vote.
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson) urged the government not to act hastily, adding that this was the first time such a situation had arisen.
“This is a big issue and it is not technical,” he said.
“Why is he being removed when he did not make any mistakes?”
He also criticised the move to limit participation in the debate to two MPs, with the opposition given only 10 minutes, saying this would pave the way for “yes men” in the Dewan Rakyat.
Others asked deputy speaker Rashid Hasnon to make a ruling on Anwar’s request.
Gobind Singh Deo (PH-Puchong) said under Standing Orders 3 and 4, the speaker can only be replaced if the seat is vacated.
“A new candidate cannot be put forward unless there is a vacancy,” he said. “If there is no vacancy, the motion cannot be raised.”
Law minister Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) however said Muhyiddin had on June 16 forwarded the motion which was approved by the speaker.
“This motion is based on the constitution, which is the highest law,” he added.
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