Clarifying a statement he made that the Cabinet intends to “contact” the speaker on alleged misleading remarks made by MPs in the House, Fahmi said it was to provide feedback and not to rebuke MPs for their remarks.
He said it is a common practice for anyone, including MPs in the opposition, to meet with the speaker to convey their views, seek advice, and exchange ideas.
“So, what I meant was to provide feedback to the speaker, nothing more than that, as we cannot direct the speaker to do anything,” he told reporters after an event here today.
On Friday, Fahmi said the Cabinet will contact the speaker’s office to ensure MPs do not make false remarks as there is a tendency by elected representatives to issue a statement first and apologise later.
His statement drew criticism from DAP’s Bukit Gelugor MP, Ramkarpal Singh, and rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL).
Ramkarpal said such a statement gave the impression that the government had a hand in the running of Parliament, which is supposed to be independent.
He said it was fundamental that Parliament is independent and had ample powers in its Standing Orders to deal with members issuing false statements.
LFL adviser N Surendran, who cited Articles 62 and 63 of the Federal Constitution, said the Dewan Rakyat holds complete power and control over its own affairs and proceedings.
He also said although the ministers, as MPs, may raise concerns in the Dewan Rakyat, “the Cabinet as a collective entity cannot interfere in parliamentary affairs”.
Fahmi highlighted an incident involving Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan in the Dewan Rakyat last week.
He said the opposition had met with Speaker Johari Abdul regarding Wan Saiful’s accusation that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had abused his power, which led to a proposed move to have Wan Saiful suspended for six months.
Johari then gave Wan Saiful an opportunity to clarify his statements, following which he apologised to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Anwar over the remarks.
At the end of the day, it is up to the speaker to decide what action is deemed necessary, Fahmi said.