Parliament scuffle disgusting, says Guan Eng
(The Star) Penang Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has condemned the Umno Youth members who confronted DAP chairman Karpal Singh in the Parliament compound. He said the incident was “embarrassing and disgusting.”
He said it was wrong for the Umno Youth members to confront and block Karpal Singh from entering the House and carrying out his duty as an elected MP (for Bukit Gelugor) on Thursday.
“The incident was embarrassing as it showed disrespect for the Parliament, the highest and most prestigious institution in Malaysia. The act of gangsterism by the Umno members showed they have no respect for the law and elected MPs.
“I also feel disgusted by the group’s statements and their threatening the safety of Karpal Singh, a person in a wheelchair,” said Lim yesterday.
He said Umno had tarnished Malaysia’s image and called for stern action to be taken against the group.
Lim, who is also Bagan MP, said he appreciated that Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing had apologised over the incident, but felt it was only right that Umno should do so too.
On Karpal Singh’s use of the word celaka in reference to Umno Youth during his debate speech on Wednesday and his allegation that Umno was responsible for the two bullets he had received in the mail, Lim said the statement was made in the House and it was up to the Speaker to take any action.
In Ipoh, Perak DAP also condemned the assault on Karpal Singh and is demanding for the immediate suspension of all the Umno Youth members allegedly involved in the fracas. State DAP Youth chief Wong Kah Woh said the party also urged the police to conduct fair investigation into the assault and take those responsible to court.
“We must not stand for these acts of violence. These people must be taken to court and justice must prevail,” he said.
Wong added that the Dewan Rakyat Speaker had the right to issue a warrant of arrest against the perpetrators.
“Also, Section 9(e) of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 allows the House to punish them for contempt,” he said.
