Jagdeep Singh Deo ordered out of the state assembly

MFA | August 10, 2009 | 0 Comments

GEORGE TOWN: Datuk Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo was ordered out of the state assembly when he called an Opposition leader a perompak (robber) over the Kampung Buah Pala issue.

The move stunned some assemblymen and those in the public gallery since Jagdeep Singh and state assembly speaker Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain are both leaders in the Pakatan Rakyat alliance.

Jagdeep was ordered out after he refused to retract his words when asked to do so by Abdul Halim.

“I don’t understand why I have to retract the words. I did not mention Azhar’s name,” Jagdeep Singh said.

The incident happened during a shouting match between Jagdeep Singh and Opposition leader Datuk Azhar Ibrahim (BN-Penaga).

Jagdeep Singh said the previous state government leaders and “the Opposition leader” were perompak (robbers) in relation to the sale of the village land and that “one of the robbers” was present in the House.

After he disregarded several warnings from Abdul Halim to retract those words, Jagdeep Singh was shown the door.

R.S.N Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) interjected that Azhar should also retract his words calling Jagdeep Singh “a person without personality.”

“If Azhar refuses, he too should be sent out of the assembly,” he said.

Before leaving, Jagdeep Singh asked Abdul Halim for how long he had to leave the sitting and was told that he could return for the afternoon session.

Earlier, Jagdeep Singh in his written question asked Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy (DAP-Prai) on the latest development in the investigations carried out by the state investigating committee on allegations of foul play in the transfer of the Kampung Buah Pala land to Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang Bhd.

Speaking to newsmen later, Jagdeep Singh said although felt Abdul Halim’s decision was “absolutely unfair,” he would nevertheless respect it.

“I was asking a supplementary question to the YB from Prai, and if the Opposition leader feels that it was directed to him, there is little I can do,” he said.

Category: Politics