KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has issued an ultimatum to the government: stop the planned debate between Arul Kanda and Tony Pua or else he will resign.
"If the government still goes ahead with the debate, I will not get involved.. I will resign as Speaker," he said in Parliament today after much prodding by several members who had questioned the conditions posed by the House for the debate.
The proposed debate between Arul, who is 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) president, and DAP lawmaker Pua, had generated a massive amount of publicity over the last week.
Pua, a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), had been vocal in his criticism of 1MDB's affairs, setting the stage for the debate.
Meanwhile, he said Section 23 of Houses of Parliament (privileges and powers) Act 1952 states that any member or any officer of the House are not allowed to give evidence elsewhere before the House or any committee in respect of any proceedings, without firstly obtain special leave from the House.
"What is the problem if PAC carries out its investigation and subsequently tables the report... can’t Malaysians wait until the investigation by PAC is done?
"Petaling Jaya Utara (Pua) is also in PAC, and Arul also will be called up by PAC. Why the rush? Will the debate get a conclusive answer?
"The answer is no. We also know that the investigation report by PAC on 1MDB will also be presented to the House Committee," he said.
Pandikar had earlier told the House that parliament would not stop the debate between Arul and Pua, provided that Pua either resigns from PAC or excuses himself from PAC's 1MDB-related proceedings.
He had also specified that Arul should not be involved in the investigation.
Meanwhile, he said Section 23 of Houses of Parliament (privileges and powers) Act 1952 states that any member or any officer of the House are not allowed to give evidence elsewhere before the House or any committee in respect of any proceedings, without firstly obtain special leave from the House.
"The planned debate on TV will give space to discuss the matter and is premature as the (1MDB) invesigation is still ongoing. It will affect PAC and attract prejudice of the credibility of both parties (involved in the debate).
"Furthermore, the tendency to accuse a person's character is not allowed by Standing Order 23(1)(o)."
Pandikar also reminded the House that the role of a PAC member is that of an investigator, not a prosecutor, referring to Pua.