Ruckus on first day of Penang Assembly sitting

(Bernama) – The issue of security in the compound of the Penang State Legislative Assembly made the first day of sitting Monday (20 April) noisy after representatives from both sides wanted to give their views.

The commotion began when Datok Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo posed a question about the level of security when the House was in session.

The executive councillor in charge of Works, Utility and Transport, Lim Hock Seng who is also Bagan Jermal representative, answered the question by saying the security control had been upgraded by installing closed-circuit cameras and setting up the guard post to screen members of the public who wanted to enter the House.

"Besides that, police personnel will be increased and we are also limiting the issuance of passes to the House's guests," he said during the question and answer session.

Jagdeep then asked Lim whether the increase in security personnel could ensure the security of the assemblymen.

In reply, Lim gave the assurance that the Dewan Rakyat disturbance would not happen during Penang Assembly sitting because, he said, people in the state were courteous.

When opposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim (BN-Penaga) stood up to seek an explanation, R.S.N. Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) interjected and asked Azhar not to give a lecture but go direct with the question.

"We don't want to listen to a lecture, don't waste time, pose your question," he said, telling Azhar to ask the question without delay.

"It starts from the mouth. The mouth has to be guarded. Don't speak without restraint, don't use abusive words at other people. Don't make other people angry," he said.

Speaker Abdul Halim Hussain then asked Azhar to pose his question straightaway and told Rayer and Jagdeep to sit down.

Azhar then asked the question: "Can we use in the House rough and abusive words at other people in the House? Can the House's freedom be used to abuse other people?"

"We have the House's Standing Orders. Anyone who breaks the rules can be taken action," said Lim in reply.