Sim, the MP for Kota Melaka, was suspended by DAP for a year, beginning February.

“I have to give him a seat in front of me first, then I will decide,” said Pandikar when met at the Parliament lobby here today.

He said there was no problem with Sim’s sitting arrangement, “be it in the front or back”.

In Parliament, Barisan Nasional lawmakers are seated on Pandikar’s right, while Opposition MPs are on his left. Independent lawmakers are seated at the end.

“Maybe, I’ll put him right in front beside me.”

Sim had earlier today told reporters he was puzzled as to his standing in the party. This was despite a notice stating he was merely suspended.

He also claimed to be uneasy with his current seating, explaining he felt “neither here nor there”.

“I had written to the Speaker on the first day I attended Parliament for this session and explained my party membership had been suspended for a year. I wanted to see what the Speaker would do about my seating.

“The seating remained the same and he openly told me the decision was up to the party.

“He told me that only if the party said I was independent, then I am.

“So it’s either you tell me I am an independent, or still a DAP member.”