A PROPOSAL to bar trial-facing MPs or senators from participating in parliamentary proceedings is a “retrograde principle” and a setback for democracy, P. Ramasamy said today.

The Penang deputy chief minister rejected the proposal, saying that it infringed on the democratic rights to participation of MPs and senators.

“MPs and senators facing court trials cannot simply be barred from participating in parliamentary proceedings.

“Even if they are facing charges, they are innocent until proven guilty in the court of the law.

“If this repressive law is brought into force, then what can we say about the historic confidence and supply agreement (CSA) or simply the MOU signed last month.

“It must be remembered that any reforms in reference to the MoU must get the support and the blessings of the PH or the opposition,” said the former Batu Kawan MP
 
The DAP leader was reacting to Senate president Rais Yatim’s statement yesterday that House representatives facing trial could be barred from Parliament until their cases were resolved.

This was part of reforms discussed at a meeting chaired by Rais and attended by Law Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

Among the proposed reforms was reinstating the Parliamentary Services Act 1963 to grant the legislative body autonomy and separation of powers from the executive, which is part of the reforms in the memorandum of understanding on transformation and political stability signed between Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Pakatan Harapan on September 13.

Rais said to bar MPs or senators facing charges from attending proceedings, the Parliament (Privileges, Immunities and Powers) Act 1952 must be amended. 

Ramasamy said the MOU should not be used or manipulated to bring about laws to serve the executive.

“I am aghast at how this retrograde principle of barring those facing court trials can be justified under the recent memorandum of understanding between the government and the opposition.

“The MOU cannot be the reason to introduce new laws to curb the participation of the elected or nominated candidates,” he said.

The Perai assemblyman added that Rais should have brought the proposal before the MOU steering committee before announcing it.
 
“Things do not look good for the longevity of the MOU. I am afraid it might not last until the announcement of the next general election, somewhere in July 2022.” – October 2, 2021.