KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has approved the motion to remove Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Rashid Hasnon ruled that 111 members of parliament (MPs) voted for and 109 others made up of opposition lawmakers were against it, while one Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili (PBS-Kota Marudu) was absent.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan (Pas-Kota Baru) in his wrap up speech, said the motion, tabled by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, was in accordance with Article 57(2)(c) of the Federal Constitution.
"The motion fulfils the prerequisites; firstly, it was done in accordance with the Dewan Rakyat Standing Order 4(1) which states that the candidate to be nominated as the Speaker must be willing to serve and that a 14-day motion is submitted prior to the (Dewan Rakyat) meeting, and not vacancy of the post."
The motion was submitted on June 26.
"Based on the fact that the opposition objected to the motion, this means you (opposition) nominate Tan Sri Ariff and Nga Kor Ming as the deputy."
Secondly, Takyuddin said, since the motion was accepted by Ariff, it proves that the papers are in order.
"Thirdly, Standing Order 27(4) states that the Dewan Rakyat secretary need not issue a notice to the MPs on the motion," he said.
Several MPs, including Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson) and Langkawi MP Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Independent) had earlier in their debate speeches questioned the legitimacy of the motion.