Motion questioning legality of Gobind’s suspension

(The Star) – DAP MP for Bandar Kuching Chong Chieng Jen has filed a motion to debate the legality of the March 16 motion against Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo, which saw him suspended from Parliament for a year without perks or allowances.

Chong told reporters in the Parliament lobby that under the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act, Gobind Singh’s perks and allowances could not be stripped off.

“The most that the House can do is to have a motion preventing him from coming into Parliament and attending meetings.

“By approving the motion against Gobind Singh on March 16, Parliament has done something illegal.

“Can a legislative body that makes law go against the law? Even his privilege as an MP for access into government agencies and entitlement to accident and insurances were taken away from him,” he said, adding that his motion, which was filed under Standing Order 18, would call for Gobind Singh’s suspension to be revoked.

Fong Po Kuan (DAP – Batu Gajah), who was also suspended for six months in 2001 without perks or allowances, said the motion against her at that time was “bad precedent”.

“So, we must make the change. That motion was illegal. The House needs to debate this matter,” she said.