Mp Wants Pm Disciplined For Misleading Dewan Over Allah Issue

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PARLIAMENT | Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang) interrupted proceedings this morning by calling for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (Harapan-Tambun) to be referred to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee for allegedly misleading the Dewan Rakyat.
This is over a remark the latter made in Parliament about the “Allah” issue in justifying the government’s decision to withdraw an appeal in the Jill Ireland case.
Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat on May 23 that he had consulted with the Malays rulers and state Islamic councils before deciding to withdraw the appeal.
However, Zulkafperi (above) claimed that the Selangor sultan, in a statement, said the matter was not referred to or discussed with him.
“On May 23, Tambun (Anwar) denied not consulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the withdrawal of the ‘Allah’ case appeal.
“Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) had asked the prime minister if the government had consulted Malay rulers and state Islamic councils before they ‘quietly’ withdrew appeal on the case,” he said.
Deputy speaker Ramli Mohd Nor told Zulkafperi to submit a motion regarding his woes, to which the latter responded that he had submitted a motion on June 8 around 4pm.
Ramli responded: “If you are dissatisfied, there are processes to follow. The prime minister is here. Let the speaker respond while being guided by the Hansard. Let us not waste time.”
Prime Minister Anwar IbrahimHowever, Anwar - who was present for Minister’s Question Time - requested to respond to Zulkafperi’s aggrievement.
Anwar explained that Zulkafperi was confusing two separate matters regarding the "Allah" issue.
The first, he said, was the government’s decision to withdraw the appeal which did obtain the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malays rulers and state Islamic councils.
However, Anwar had agreed with the Selangor Sultan's proposal to discuss the "Allah" matter with an advisory council in August, before being raised to the Conference of Rulers in October.
“That is what I want to explain. First is regarding our court appeal and second is the amendments that we are reviewing.
“We acknowledge the previous decision of the Malay rulers, now there are efforts to streamline the rules.
“I agree with the Selangor Sultan’s proposal to review it at the advisory council before being raised to the Conference of Rulers,” he said.
Anwar previously said that the government was amending and revoking laws that conflicted with the Rulers Council's decision that the word “Allah” can only be used by Muslims in Peninsular Malaysia and with restrictions for non-Muslims in Sabah and Sarawak. - Mkini

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