RAMKARPAL Singh has become the first person to be ejected from the first session of the 14th Parliament.

Speaker Mohd Ariff Md Yunos threw out the DAP Bukit Gelugor MP after he refused to retract the word “samseng” (gangster), which he used to refer to Umno members.

Ramkarpal, who insisted that he did no wrong, was earlier warned by Deputy Speaker Rashid Hasnon during the morning sitting. 

“As far as I’m concerned, it is a matter of principle. If a ruling has been made, it is very clear. File a motion if you have any grouses.

“It is not for the speaker to make another ruling,” he told reporters in the Parliament lobby.

After Rashid made the ruling, Ariff, who took over in the evening session, demanded the retraction from Ramkarpal.

“A ruling has been made. Bukit Gelugor, please retract your statement. I have given the first warning. Respect the business. Sungai Petani has to continue with his speech,” said the speaker.

However, Ramkarpal refused to do so.

“I do apologise. I’m afraid I cannot.”

Ariff then ordered the sergeant-at-arms to escort Ramkarpal out.

“In this case, please execute the duty,” he told them.

Earlier today, Ramkarpal was talking about an incident in 2009, when the then Bukit Gelugor MP, the late Karpal Singh, was surrounded by a group of Umno members.

Ramkarpal, who is Karpal’s son, described the Umno members’ actions as “samseng”, drawing protests from opposition MPs.

Among the lawmakers who protested against the DAP politician’s word choice were former deputy speakers Ronald Kiandee (BN-Beluran) and Ismail Said (BN-Kuala Krai). – July 18, 2018.