Khir: 1-yr suspension politically motivated, element of revenge

(The Edge) SHAH ALAM: Former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo claimed his one-year suspension from the state legislative assembly following the decision by the Select Committee for Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) was politically motivated and contained an element of revenge on the part of Speaker Teng Chang Khim.

Khir said the suspension meted out by Selcat on him and four Barisan Nasional (BN) state assemblymen was harsh and inconsistent with the state government’s practise of freedom of speech and freedom of information.

He said Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim’s administration was trying to silence any form of dissent and criticism in the state assembly, adding that the suspension on him and four assemblymen would hamper checks and balances of the state government.

“This (punishment) is more cruel than the ISA,” he told a press conference today flanked by assemblymen Datuk Warno Dogol (Sabak), Mohd Isa Abu Kasim (Batang Kali) and Datuk Marsum Paing (Dengkil). The fourth assemblymen Datuk Mohamed Idris Abu Bakar (Hulu Bernam) is currently overseas.