Govt Mps Taunt Wan Saiful In Parliament Question His Bersatu Status

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PARLIAMENT | Pakatan Harapan lawmakers taunted Tasik Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan in the Dewan Rakyat today, repeatedly questioning his position within the opposition, following his expulsion from Bersatu on Oct 14.
While Wan Saiful was debating the Supply Bill, he was interrupted by RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong) regarding his criticisms towards the Communications Ministry for clamping down on free speech.
“Do you agree with me that freedom of speech exists? Yesterday, there were demonstrations against US President Donald Trump, which the government allowed. This is in contrast to Bersatu, where free speech is stifled.
“Our government offers freedom of expression, but in Bersatu, whoever chooses to voice their criticisms is expelled immediately,” Rayer said.
However, Wan Saiful dismissed the DAP MP’s remarks and continued his explanation on how the government should improve efforts to create an informed and educated society by upholding free speech.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer“Thank you for your opinion, but I am merely giving suggestions on things that can be improved within the government.
“Do not turn this ministry into a ‘Propaganda Ministry’ which only spreads government-approved narratives, while suppressing dissenting voices that disagree with the government,” he said.
Wan Saiful pointed out that laws are still being abused to clamp down on government criticism, citing the detention and investigation of controversial Bersatu activist Wan Azri Wan Deris, better known as Papagomo, as an example.
“Why is this still being done by a government that is supposed to adhere to the principles of reform?
“I want to stress that the MCMC cannot merely be a tool for propaganda. It must also be a catalyst for openness and accountability,” he added.
Last month, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said it would appeal Wan Azri’s acquittal from sedition charges.
Bersatu activist Wan Azri Wan DerisHe was initially detained over his claims that the government was being pro-Israel. Wan Azri was then charged on Jan 8 last year under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948.
‘Sacking can be appealed’
While delivering his speech, Wan Saiful was again interrupted regarding his expulsion from Bersatu, this time by Khoo Poay Tiong (Harapan-Kota Melaka).
“Are you sure you still want to remain within Bersatu?” Khoo asked twice before the Dewan Rakyat speaker silenced him.
Khoo questioned whether Wan Saiful was still allowed to remain a member of the opposition, and if he was now an independent MP.
Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay TiongIn response, Wan Saiful said that the party had existing guidelines which allowed appeals to be made.
“If you want more specific explanations based on the party’s constitution, I could also share it, since I know it too,” he added.
Alleged plot to oust Muhyiddin
On Oct 14, Bersatu sacked Wan Saiful, who was a member of the party’s supreme council, alongside four party division chiefs, and suspended its Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal for one term.
The Bersatu disciplinary board had found the leaders guilty of violating the party constitution and its Code of Ethics and Conduct.
It is believed that they were reprimanded due to alleged attempts to pressure Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin into handing over party leadership to his deputy, Hamzah Zainudin.
Wan Saiful previously announced that he will continue his tasks as a lawmaker, as the anti-hopping law has not been triggered since he was sacked from his party without joining another party.
He clarified, however, that he is unsure if Bersatu has written to the speaker to inform the latter of his sacking, noting that he will allow the party to decide on whether his seating position in the Dewan should be changed. - Mkini

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