Time out for troublemakers

STEP out of line and risk getting slapped with a six-month suspension was the ultimatum issued by Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to MPs after a shouting match erupted in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

The stern warning came after Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) alleged that the Prime Minister was abusing his powers.

The Speaker responded that Wan Saiful was making a malicious accusation and ordered him to retract his statement.

Johari described Wan Saiful’s claims as hearsay, as there was no proof to back the allegations.

“What you said is very unkind, accusing someone as being corrupt without any proof. I am warning you now to retract this (statement),” he said.Wan Saiful promptly retracted his statement.

Earlier, he claimed he had been approached by several individuals enticing him with offers to pledge his support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Opposition MP claimed that he was offered RM1.7mil in allocations if he supported Anwar.Wan Saiful’s remarks resulted in a shouting match among MPs.Johari warned MPs, regardless of their political affiliation, that he would impose “the full extent of my power” if they did not listen to his instructions.

“The rules are clear. I can suspend you for six months. This time around, I will use it,” he said during debates on the motion of thanks on the royal address.

Wan Saiful then told the Speaker that he was “disappointed” in his decision but he would respect it.Johari responded by saying regardless of Wan Saiful’s feelings, the session would go on as usual.

“If we want to talk about hearsay, I can speak on things that happened 30 years ago. Let us move forward.

“Lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) or the police for investigations to be carried out.

“If you talk about it here, nobody can do anything, You can keep on going but nobody can verify this,” he said.

Wan Saiful, who is former Bersatu information chief, is facing money laundering and corruption charges related to the Jana Wibawa project.

Johari had earlier suspended Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) for four days following a commotion in the House.

However, the suspension was revoked when Awang stood up to apologise to the Speaker after being told to do so by Opposition chief Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

Later in a Facebook post, Wan Saiful said he has been contacted by the MACC on the matter.

“I already anticipated that my exposé would be denied and diminished by them (his detractors). It’s okay. We understand they have to spin.

“Not even an hour after my speech (in Parliament), I received a message from an MACC officer, asking me to contact them. I will cooperate,” he said.