Khamis, 16 Disember 2010

'BN gave Anwar every chance'

KUALA LUMPUR: The Barisan Nasional denied that it did not give the opposition a chance to debate on today's parliamentary suspensions.

Abdul Rahman Dahlan (Kota Belud-BN) also said that the Speaker could not be considered biased as he was not allowed to debate or vote in the motion.

P Kamalanathan (Hulu Selangor-BN) also panned the opposition for bringing placards into the House. "This is not the right way for a democracy. Today's issue is about getting the statement from Anwar," he said.

Kamalanathan also said that Anwar had never given an answer over the Apco question. "Until today, he has never stated his stand, but has always changed his topic (when we asked him)," he said.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz said that Anwar could have explained himself many times over his statement, but chose not to.

"They (opposition MPs) were given many chances, especially Anwar in April. He was given a week to explain himself and take back his statement. In the second session, he was also given a chance. Here, he was given two-and-a-half months, but he didn't take it," he said.

Nazri said that the ruckus in the House today was an opposition ploy to drag out the Apco charge over to next year.

"I know all his (Anwar's) moves. It was very embarrassing, and shameful to parliamentary democracy," he said, referring to the placards brought in by the Pakatan MPs.

He added that although the four Opposition MPs had been suspended, they would still keep their allowances. "All MPs are still having their allowances. I give him (Anwar) a chance. He can go on a long holiday," he said mockingly.

'They are stupid'

Pakatan was also criticised for claiming that the move to suspend the four MPs was to give BN a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

"They are stupid. If you want to amend the constitution, you must have two-thirds of 222 MPs, or 148 MPs. BN has 137 MPs. You must have 148 MPs," he said.

Nazri also laughed off Karpal's threat to bring the suspension issue before a court of law. "The court has got no jurisdiction on parliamentary proceedings. I assure you that if they take it court, it will be kicked out," he said.

He also rubbished claims by Nasharuddin Mat Isa (Bachok-PAS) that he had sent written instructions to the Speaker.

"I didn't give instructions. The Speaker had been given two hours and I said I wanted to read my motion. What they were talking about has got nothing to do with the Order Paper today. So I have every right to see my motion through," Nazri said.
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