Stay out of assembly issues, cops and AG told

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Story by Chan Lilian
Pix by Chan Lilian

Lawyers Ramkarpal Singh Deo, Jagdeep Singh Deo and Rayer arriving at the court.
Lawyers Ramkarpal Singh Deo, Jagdeep Singh Deo and Rayer arriving at the court.

PENANG State Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang issued a statement on June 19 where he claimed that the police and Attorney-General had violated the powers of the Penang State Assembly with regards to Seri Delima assemblymember RSN Rayer.

Rayer was taken to court on June 19 to be charged under the Sedition Act for uttering “Umno celaka” during the State Assembly sitting.
However, he was told by the deputy public prosecutor’s office that the Attorney-General had ordered for the case to be deferred until further notice.

 Law says he acted in accordance with the Standing Order.
Law says he acted in accordance with the Standing Order.

Law pointed out that as Speaker he had acted under the Standing Orders and warned Rayer not to repeat the word.
“Besides that, I allowed the opposition Umno members to move an emergency motion to refer Rayer to the House Special Committee for further action.
“But Umno failed to get the votes required for the motion to be passed.
“I acted in accordance with the Standing Order and it is regrettable the police and AG are overriding the Speaker’s decision as if to challenge the State Assembly,” Law said.

“Under Article 63 and Article 72 of the Federal Constitution, although a Member of Parliament or assemblymember possesses immunity, in certain circumstances they can be charged under the Sedition Act 1948. However, the words ‘Umno Celaka’ is not listed in any part of the law, except that it is not a proper word to be uttered by an assemblymember,” Law added.

He called on all quarters to respect the principle of separation of powers and allow the House to do its work.
“Stop treating the honourable assembly as a children’s playground! I want to assert that neither the police nor the AG, without the agreement of the Speaker, can act against any state assemblymember for their wrongdoings in the assembly,” Law said.
Law also called on the police and AG to take action under a stricter law against the 14 individuals who encroached into the State Assembly rather than merely charge them under Section 448 for trespassing.
“These individuals challenged the sanctity of the august House and principles of democracy and thus should face harsher punishment.”