Dewan Rakyat denies motion to debate sovereignty of Batu Puteh
NST (27/5/08): The Dewan Rakyat today denied a motion by Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian) to debate the sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh whose ownership was given to Singapore by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday.
Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said the motion was denied as it was not urgent as Malaysia had already agreed to abide with the decision of the ICJ.
He said before denying the motion he had studied the matter and Salahuddin’s feelings reflected those of all members of the Dewan Rakyat. "So the decision (on Pulau Batu Puteh) should be taken as a lesson. We are also sad and the loss (in the ICJ) may be only on technicality.
"I am sorry I cannot entertain the motion raised. I have considered carefully. Is it not enough with the word ’lesson’, Honourable Member (referring to Salahuddin)?,” he said.
Salahuddin then stood up and referred to Standing Order 18(3)(b) that stated that 15 members could stand and support the motion if the Speaker did not accept it. At that point, all the opposition members in the House stood up to support the motion.
However, Pandikar said the rule did not matter as he had already rejected the motion.
"There are times I am satisfied like the rice issue. If there is a chance, ask when the minister concerned is replying during winding up,” Pandikar said.
Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said the motion was denied as it was not urgent as Malaysia had already agreed to abide with the decision of the ICJ.
He said before denying the motion he had studied the matter and Salahuddin’s feelings reflected those of all members of the Dewan Rakyat. "So the decision (on Pulau Batu Puteh) should be taken as a lesson. We are also sad and the loss (in the ICJ) may be only on technicality.
"I am sorry I cannot entertain the motion raised. I have considered carefully. Is it not enough with the word ’lesson’, Honourable Member (referring to Salahuddin)?,” he said.
Salahuddin then stood up and referred to Standing Order 18(3)(b) that stated that 15 members could stand and support the motion if the Speaker did not accept it. At that point, all the opposition members in the House stood up to support the motion.
However, Pandikar said the rule did not matter as he had already rejected the motion.
"There are times I am satisfied like the rice issue. If there is a chance, ask when the minister concerned is replying during winding up,” Pandikar said.
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