Speaker rejects emergency motion on Hindraf

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia today rejected an emergency motion moved by M Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) last week to discuss the government's recent ban on Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).

MCPX

The speaker rejected the motion on the grounds that the matter was not urgent enough because the members of parliament still have the opportunity to discuss the ban on the ongoing budget debate session.

"They still can discuss the (Hindraf) issue during the budget debate session, there is an opportunity to do so. Why would we need an emergency motion for it?" asked Pandikar.

Last Wednesday, Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar banned the movement after the ministry was satisfied with the facts and evidence which showed that "Hindraf had (been) and was being used for unlawful purposes and posed a threat to public order and morality".

The ban received criticism, especially from the Pakatan leaders as they described it as against the principles of democracy and rights.