A spate of news reports quoting the Speaker, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia as saying that the oath-taking ceremony to swear in the winner of the Permatang Pauh by-election today would most likely be held in mid-October and that he did not see any urgency to “fix a quick date” has raised eye-brows all round and thrown up a flurry of questions.
There can be no doubt that if the Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Arif Shah Omar wins the Permatang Pauh by-election, he would definitely be sworn in as MP in Parliament this week, latest by Thursday if not tomorrow itself – so that it could be used by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as a much-needed confidence-booster after the devastation suffered by the Barisan Nasional in the March 8 “political tsunami” relegating the Barisan Nasional to the Opposition benches in five states – Penang, Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Kelantan – and depriving for the first time in Malaysian history of its two-thirds parliamentary majority.
I believe nobody in Malaysia doubts that if Arif could win the Permatang Pauh by-election today, he would be sworn in as MP in Parliament tomorrow or latest by Thursday.
Why then should the position be any different if Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is re-elected as MP for the constituency and storms back to Parliament with a historic majority?
Abdullah, the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak who had spearheaded the Barisan Nasional Permatang Pauh by-election campaign to be a 4Ds campaign – the dirtiest and the most disgraceful, dishonourable and divisive election strategy – and other Barisan Nasional leaders may not want to see Anwar return to Parliament in triumph to take his seat as the Parliamentary Opposition Leader exactly opposite Abdullah for 2009 Budget presentation on Friday, but this is not for them but for the voters of Permatang Puah to decide today!
The reasons that have been given by the Speaker in the press why Anwar will not be able to take his rightful seat in Parliament for the 2009 Budget presentation on Friday when he wins the by-election do not stand up to scrutiny.
This is what Pandikar Amin said, as reported in The Star today:
Pandikar Amin said although the by-election result would be announced tonight, he would still have to wait for a formal letter from the EC before he can fix a date for the new MP to take his oath.
“I do not see any urgency for me to fix a quick date. For all you know, the newly elected MP may want to go for a holiday first, or even for an umrah before coming to the Dewan Rakyat,” he said yesterday.
“I am prepared for anything but I can’t answer whether the new MP will be able to attend the tabling of the Budget this Friday,” he said.
If Anwar is frustrated from being sworn in as MP and to take his rightful place in Parliament during the 2009 Budget presentation on Friday, Parliament would have failed the voters of Permatang Pauh and the people of Malaysia.
There is no reason whatsoever why Anwar could not be sworn in as MP and appointed as Opposition Leader to take the first Opposition seat opposite the Prime Minister in Parliament for the 2009 budget presentation on Friday.
In 1983, the then DAP National Chairman Dr. Chen Man Hin won the Seremban by-election on Saturday, 19th November 1983 and was sworn in as MP on Monday, 21st November 1983. The Seremban by-election was created when the then MCA President, Datuk Lee San Choon who had won the seat from Dr. Chen in the 1982 general election, made a sudden announcement of political retirement.
If Dr. Chen could be sworn in as MP in less than 36 hours of his re-election as MP, as Parliament was then in session, we should be even more efficient 25 years later especially in the era of information technology.
I don’t see why Anwar could not be sworn in as MP in Parliament tomorrow on his victory in the Permatang Pauh by-election today. Even if Anwar could not be sworn in tomorrow, there is no reason whatsoever why Anwar could not be sworn in on Thursday, start his appointment as Parliamentary Opposition Leader and take his place in the first Opposition seat in Parliament on Friday directly opposite Abdullah during the 2009 Budget presentation.
Pakatan Rakyat, which won 82 seats in Parliament, has appointed Anwar as the new Parliamentary Opposition Leader in place of Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. An official letter on Anwar’s appointment would be submitted to the Speaker tomorrow.
Abdullah may not be able to smoothly present the 2009 Budget on Friday if Anwar is frustrated from being sworn in as MP and taking his rightful place in the first Opposition seat as Opposition Leader in Parliament.
#1 by tan chi nam on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 3:52 pm
ha ha ha am i the first….
#2 by peterchiang on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 3:54 pm
The 4D compaign: DNA, Deceiving, Demeaning, Desperado.
#3 by vchi on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 3:57 pm
Abdullah is clearly afraid to face Anwar, so, the longer the wait, the more time it buys him to sleep on his job.
#4 by tiger88 on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:03 pm
What kind of mentality is this? Speaker of that kind can be picked from the floor.
#5 by oknyua on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:04 pm
Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi: Anwar, who is Anwar? He is not a factor. (Feb 2008)
#6 by Jeffrey on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:04 pm
How would Speaker, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia know that a newly elected MP may want to go for a holiday first, or even for an umrah before coming to the Dewan Rakyat?
If Anwar were elected and advises the Speaker that he is not going for a holiday or umrah but straight to Parliament, would Pandikar Amin immediately fix it for 2009 Budget presentation this Friday?
Don’t tell me there is no provision either in Constitution or parliamentary standing orders touching obn this point of when to swear in a newly elected MP leaving it entirely to unfettered discretion of the Speaker!
What happens if EC gives the letter to the Speaker 1 year from now and the Speaker fixes the swearing in 2 years from now? You mean that is no rule or regulation to prevent such a dereliction of duty on EC’s part or an absurd exercise of discretion by the Speaker?
#7 by Cookie Monster on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:05 pm
not only buy more time to sleep , also to let others more time to arrange for migration if DSAI claims victory tonite…….
#8 by clearwater on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:07 pm
Pandikar Amin,
Do the decent thing. Swear in the new MP of Permatang Pauh within 48 hours of his election so he can attend Parliament at Budget presentation on 29.08.08. Whether it is DSAI or DSAO , swear him in soonest so he can serve the public immediately. Announce this today.
#9 by oknyua on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:09 pm
He is afraid when he makes the budget speech, his frequent coughing, pausing and repeating of words created an bout of hilarious laughter from Dato’ Anwar. Then the pronouciation of economic terminology that he has no idea of, makes him nerveous before Anwar. I can appreciate Abdullah’s instruction not to have Anwar in parliament.
#10 by gofortruth on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:11 pm
4Ds campaign :- Debase; despicable; disgusting, diabolical.
BN remains as arrogant as ever and MCA;Gerakan & MIC are still blindly flowing along.
#11 by m.hwang on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:17 pm
The Speaker is finally bowing to pressure from his bosses despite early signs of attempted impartiality.
#12 by AsalUsuLMalaysiaHacked on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:17 pm
If the budget was clearly good intention for RAKYAT why they should afraid of DSAI or PK?… Go ahead read it.
#13 by Emily Pratt on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:18 pm
YB Kit,
I know that Anwar shall eventually be the leader of the opposition and subsequently the next PM.
But PR is relying too much and too heavily on just one person. Anything can go wrong and I think it is wise that PR is seen to be made up of collective wisdom rather than to rely solely on one singular pax’s celebrity status.
Therefore, if Anwar is not present during the Budget session, why can the other leaders of Pakatan carry on the job? I hope to see that PR is a collection of good parliamentarians and not just solely rely on a person’s celebrity/cult status.
EP
#14 by Patek 1472 on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:23 pm
“Victory Cries” After Permatang Pauh By-Election.
“Laungan-Laungan Kemenangan” Selepas Pilihanraya Kecil di Permatang Pauh.
“Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!”
“Hail! Man of Honour” walks again in the Corridors of Power
Posted at http://patek1472.wordpress.com
#15 by I Malaysian on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:24 pm
This is the most undemocratic statement that could come from a speaker. Who thinks he is and what is in his mind?
I can’t imagine that happens to us. Pandikar needs to be reminded the entire country will be at parliamentary if he does such stupid decision. whether its’ his or PM’s.
#16 by Bobster on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:37 pm
That’s why the Dewan Speaker and EC Chairman are talking kok and making big FOOL of themselves if they continue trying to be funny to the rakyat.
Big SHAME to BN and they are making themselves hated more and more each day by the rakyat. The more they stir, the more sh*t will be thrown at them. Think the only place for these disgraceful creatures is a BIG TONG SAMPAH! BN—>BTS
#17 by xplora on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:41 pm
If Mr Anwar wins the by-election, I don’t think he wants a holiday but straight to Parliament to debate Budget 2009 with the Prime Minister.
Please, Please and Please do not delay the oath process, everyone in Malaysia doubt that Anwar is going to lost this by-election, because his wife never loose the election before even in 2004!
#18 by k1980 on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:55 pm
umno hopes that by october, Anwar has been found guilty of sodding a unwilling saiful, and sentenced to 20 years in the dungeon
#19 by oknyua on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 4:55 pm
They will still come out with more silly charges against Anwar, the latest is Nalla’s RM60m. This is an old, old, old case and it’s only based Nalla’s words. ACA will probe and arrest Anwar again – ignoring the hard fact that Musa Aman’s man was caught with hard cash in his hand – and ACA not acting at all. They are keeping Anwar out at all cost legal and illegal ways.
#20 by Yee Siew Wah on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 5:02 pm
How can this guy be impartial wen he is under BN control.
Of course, wen Arif won, u can bet he will enter Parliament in no time.
Claiming to be impartial and acting the other way round, proof that we have a bunch of untrustful, selfish, corrupted scumbags running our highest institutions. Oooops… I forgot since we have a top flipflop guy running the country, it is no wonder to expect the same style from these guys. Say one thing then doing another. How disgustful.
#21 by js on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 5:04 pm
Really sad..sad…sad. Another challenge for PR!
Can PR do something about it for the swearing ceremony?
#22 by Bobster on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 5:14 pm
May I suggest to give Toyo’s Broom Award to this Dewan Speaker and EC Chairman.
The Rakyat will donate one BIG Tong Sampah Award to house both of them.
#23 by penang308 on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 5:15 pm
The Permatang Pauh by-election has just ended.
Looks like we have a New Opposition Leader!
Thank you to all the Permatang Pauh voters! Bravo!
#24 by Kathy on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 5:17 pm
The struggle to free Malaysia and its citizens from all these madness have just started. Let us not give up our hope and future. It is time to make our stand – by the way, YB Kit, how do we pressure EC and the Dewan Speaker to do the right thing?
#25 by Mr Smith on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 5:30 pm
The Speaker does not hide the fact that he is taking orders from his party boss. He is also exposing himself as being biased.
Little does he realize that he might even lose his job before he takes his seat at the next seating.
#26 by jasontan on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 5:33 pm
This Pandikar still doesn’t realise that BN will fall, sooner or later. The more professionally he conducts himself, the less painful his fall will be.
In the age of the Internet, every action and statement is recorded and archived. His every actions will return to haunt him. How I wish someone could tell this to him.
#27 by justiciary on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 5:39 pm
What has happened to the once oft-repeated slogan ‘cemerlang,gembilang,terbilang’? I think ‘semua itu temberang’ sahaja.
#28 by boh-liao on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 5:57 pm
Pandikar Amin needs time to make sure that there are enough cleaners with mops in the Parliament House when AI gets sworn in as MP. Many BN MPs will be pissing in their pants and wet the floor of the august chamber.
#29 by bentoh on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 6:04 pm
I’m rather angry right now…
Yes today is the big day… whatever you say it…
Today the parliament house has ONLY 10 Opposition MPs… Where are all the others gone?
Today is the day the sinful DNA bill has its second reading (and hence debate)… a snapped decision by government-parliament…
and yet ONLY 10 Opposition MPs were in the house to debate about this sinful and unhuman DNA bill…
I don’t care… MPs are paid to debate in the house… for we the rakyat’s right…
By-election’s campaign has finished… So why are the MPs not go back into the house to work?
#30 by ch on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 6:13 pm
Dear All,
Is the current ruling government trying very hard to prolong the inevitable as Anwar Ibrahim had repeatedly said that a new government will be formed on Sept 16? I read that Pandikar Amin Mulia commented that swearing can be in October. That would give the government more than a month to come up with new ideas of failing this grand plot of Pakatan Rakyat?
#31 by sheriff singh on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 6:20 pm
While all attention was focussed on PP, the BN government sneaked the DNA Bill for second reading today.
One way or another, they are all trying to nail AI down.
#32 by hadi on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 6:23 pm
YB Kit, What a joke that ANWAR wants to go for a holiday. He had had his 6 years holiday in Sungai Buloh and its time for him to work for rakyat. Only BN MPs will normally go for holiday using robbed money from rakyat. Tell the speaker stop playing stupid politic as he has been trusted to uphold justice. Doesn’t he realize that he is answerable in this word and when he dies. No wonder Malaysia remains backward (tapi orang Melayu -UMNO la YB, perasan that Malaysia is first class nation konon nya.) so many morons in power. I am beginning to buy the idea of we have 3rd division team running the nation. If I may suggest, we must continue mobilizing the rakyat and let all Malaysians have one dream for the nation that is people power and MERDEKA dalam erti kata yang sebenar nya. Keep up the good job YB and Malaysians are fortunate to have you around and someday, somewhere we will meet, GOD willings. LOng Live PAKATAN RAKYAT-you can agree to disagree.
#33 by private_undergrad on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 6:26 pm
lol I think I can be the better Speaker. How come this half-past-six Speaker can be appointed as a…Speaker of our much-revered August House? I beg Uncle Lim to file a motion of no confidence against him.
#34 by Damocles on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 6:27 pm
What if the Speaker just refuses to swear in Anwar?
Would that mean that he will forever be in limbo?
#35 by zak_hammaad on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 6:31 pm
sheriff singh, I hope for the sake of Malaysia that Anwar does get nailed before he gets a chance to wrest the premiership and grind Malaysia down! As I said before, the only winners in Pakatan are DAP with their inherent secular (vis a vis anti-Islamic agenda). Anwar is being used by one and all to get their agenda’s realised and he himself has shown to be untrustworthy with no vision or concrete policies. He is a snake and becomes anything to anyone to get what he wants. He would be more disasterous that Badawi who I believe should be tried for treason for the unprecedented failures of his 5 years of leadership (or the lack of).
#36 by Bobster on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 7:02 pm
Under BN ruling, this country has no hope. Nepotism, corruption, power abuse, racism, gangsterism, money laundering, whatever you can think of. Rakyat are sick and tired of these political robbers siphon money out of the country day after day, year after year. Someone have to put a stop to all this rubbish. Though many have reservation in the past with Anwar including yours truly, at this point in time, he is the best candidate to replace AAB and Najib imo. Who else can put a stop to the rot of this nation? BN, no hope, failed for 51 yrs. PR, no guarantee but at least some hope.
Only winner in PR is DAP?! Typical BN propaganda.
In BN, rakyat are the sole lossers. In PR, rakyat are the winner. Please get your fact right my fren.
#37 by just a moment on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 7:17 pm
Zak you still here? Thought you said you going home?
Here you go again. All your Negatives about DSAI.
You are too much – a plague indeed.
Pls lay off your contagious views in this blog, PKR is about multirace, even though we cannot be perfect, at least its a start.
What about your country, ? Wherever the h**l it is.
We will all move forward, regardless of whatever ‘infectious’
mind of yours says – You’re malignant!!!
#38 by riversandlakes on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 - 9:12 pm
Here they are Barang Naik jokers making a fool of themselves in trying to play more games.
Enough already! DSAI ’08!
#39 by PSM on Wednesday, 27 August 2008 - 9:49 am
Let’s face it…UMNO is going to do all it can to ensure DSAI does not set foot in Parliment, for when he does, it will sound the “Death Knell” for them.
So they are postponing it so that they can get him thrown into jail before the “exodus of cross-overs” start!
They are already working on this…Sodomy Charges, DNA Bill & now ACA is questioning Nalla about the alleged RM60m gift to DSAI!!!!!
#40 by Mr Tan. on Wednesday, 27 August 2008 - 12:09 pm
Everyone can see in the media for the past 2 weeks how hard Najib has tried to defeat Anwar during the election campaign. You can hardly see Datuk Arif in the pictures but instead Najib’s face everywhere as though he is the candidate representing BN in Permatang Pauh.
Why is he putting so much effort himself in this election campaign?.
Obviously they have a lot to hide.
On Pandikar Amin’s bias attitude against oppositions in the Parliament, it is already well known and seen by all Malaysians.
UMNO is well known for cultivating racism, arrogance among it’s followers, and one sided treatment to other races, that is why you can see their followers calling the Chinese to go back to China and statement like”sini bukan Negara Cina” during the Parliament session and Pandikar Amin encourage them by siding them. They are really a whole bunch of hooligans.
If you see some of their speakers’ statement during the Parliament session, you can see how they take the law into their own hands and how disrespectful they are towards the Chinese and Indians.
#41 by One4All4One on Wednesday, 27 August 2008 - 1:37 pm
To : zak_hamaad,
I have been reading your postings recently, and although I did not read all of them, what little that I read already left a very bad taste indeed. Not that I want to be judgemental, but I am compelled to comment on what could be construed to be unfair.
First and foremost you seemed to be biased in your views and opinions. That does not reflect well on your judgement, and what little judgement you showed smacked of childishness, lop-sidedness, and errors. You did not give credit where credit was due. You seem to be above board in your opinion. You swear and curse at your whim and fancy.
The blogs are meant for meaningful and constructive discourses and not for abuse and to solely champion one’s partial stand. You seem to be representing some parties who have selfish intentions.
You seem to be sowing hatred and ill-will here and there. Back biting and swearing are evil in the eyes of God. Thought you claim to be religious? Islam is a pure and great religion. I wonder if you have learnt your religious lessons well. Or you are just trying to be hypocritical? If you are sincere in referring to religion and its teachings, then please don’t say anything unwarranted at all, else you would be seen as smearing the good name of the religion as well. And that’s sinful.
We Malaysians at large are just crying for justice and demand that the necessary be done to safeguard the interests and well-being of all. Prejudice and discrimination, corruption and dishonesty, arrogance and high-handedness, and all things negative and evil have no place in our system. They should be discarded and distanced by everyone with intention to serve the country and people.
There must be integrity of the highest order, transparency, accountability, and an incorruptible character if our nation is to move forward. Leaders should uphold all those qualities if they ever wished to helm positions in the administration. Anything short of that will not do.
Back to the topic discussion:
Why should Sdr. Anwar be denied the expediency of being sworn in at the earliest to take his rightful place as a duly elected MP, and instead, all sort of excuses were given to delay it as if to make a mockery of the decisive and unmistakable vote of the people of PP?
It does not reflect well on the Dewan and the EC, which are supposed to be impartial and non-partisan in the execution of their duties.
The rakyat of all creed and background should voice their strong disagreement and object and reject such blatant injustice and prejudicial stand taken by those two bodies. The government, if it is fair at all, should also voiced out such sentiments.
There cannot be two sets of rules.
Give credit where credit is due : Kudos to the victor in Permatang Pauh, and for the defeated, good luck and try again!
Just as in any contest, they are winners and losers. Be sporting and honourable in defeat. To the victor, real work lies ahead and it is time to fulfil the promises and be accountable.
#42 by One4All4One on Wednesday, 27 August 2008 - 1:46 pm
Sorry..should have been:
Just as in any contest, there are winners and losers. Be sporting and honourable in defeat. To the victor, real work lies..
#43 by AsalUsuLMalaysiaHacked on Wednesday, 27 August 2008 - 3:52 pm
LET THE CELEBRATION BEGINS!…
Show ur patriotism and support for liberation and the Rival of New Govern to serve the RAKYAT.
We should restart the policy from now on, either delegates from PR or BN your work will be monitored and everyone has their chance to redeem themself by next election. Let us all embrace!.
PR we have high hopes in you, serve us well and i hope were in good hands. We will stand by you in all forms of obstacles, and reformation it will be!.
God speed.