Khir Toyo faces more punishment over Balkis scandal

(The Malaysian Insider) SHAH ALAM, May 20 — Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo may find that he will have to stay away from the state assembly for longer than a year.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim confirmed today that the state opposition leader's suspension was for not attending the Selangor Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) inquiry into the alleged misconduct and inappropriate dealings of state charity Balkis.

But his involvement in the scandal itself could lead to further disciplinary action.

"Yes, but these decisions will be presented to the House for confirmation. We are following the procedure and will vote on the suspension," Khalid said.

State assembly Speaker Teng Chang Kim said yesterday that the former Selangor mentri besar would be suspended for a year by the rights and privileges committee.

Khir today accused Teng of taking revenge.

When he was opposition leader in the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) administration, Teng was suspended for 18 months after he threw a copy of the Standing Orders into the dustbin and refused to apologise.

Khalid laughed off the suggestion that the suspension was a form of political persecution.

"I think Khir should relate this experience to the speaker who also experienced a lengthy suspension and they can both discuss their unhappiness," he said.