KUALA LUMPUR: Machang member of parliament Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, suspended from attending the Dewan Rakyat for six months, has called on Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to reconsider the ban imposed on him.
The Perikatan Nasional MP today denied that his presence at the Dewan Rakyat or sitting at the public gallery would cause issues during the session.
"The speaker's response is disappointing," he said at the Parliament building.
"He said if Machang were present at the chamber, public gallery or observation area, it would create problems.
"I don't understand the speaker's views and arguments.
"What exactly is the issue with my presence at the Dewan Rakyat, even as an observer?
"I wouldn't say anything that could cause problems for the lower house or for the speaker himself.
"What is the relevance of this argument?
"I'm under the assumption that I am causing illnesses among the MPs or disrupting the proceedings.
"Am I exerting spiritual pressure on the speaker and others?"
"The speaker does not explain the problems I might cause if I were at the chamber.
"What is the difference between me speaking here (at the media room) and being at the chamber without speaking?
"Actually my voice here (at the media room) is more dangerous than my silence at the chamber.
"I don't understand the logic and justification for this ban on me."
Wan Fayhsal cited the case of former opposition leader Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, who was allowed to observe parliamentary proceedings from the gallery despite being suspended from the Dewan Rakyat in 2018.
"There is precedence, so why am I barred from entering as an observer? I've been put at the lowest point in terms of access to the Dewan Rakyat compared with the public.
"I hope the speaker can reconsider his decision."
Earlier today, Johari affirmed his decision regarding Wan Fayhsal's ban.