KUALA LUMPUR: A special motion filed by Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman to debate the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) issue in the Dewan Rakyat was rejected by Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
The Muar MP said the motion was filed with Johari on Friday (June 2) and he was informed on Thursday (June 8) that it was rejected.
“The reason given was that it was not of public interest and not a pressing matter.
“I request for this to be reconsidered. I understand that according to Rule 18 Section 5, it mentions the decision cannot be raised again.
“But with discretion, it can be brought to the Dewan Rakyat’s Special Chamber,” he said in Parliament on Thursday.
Debating the issue, Syed Saddiq said, would allow it to be discussed more deeply, instead of only the five minutes allocated to hear the minister’s response.
“This (LCS) is a specific issue. We previously heard it cost RM6bil then RM9bil and last week, we heard there was an additional RM2.1bil needed.
“It has constantly been discussed from before, during and after the 15th General Election, yet there have not been any additional prosecutions.
“Billions of ringgit have been spent, not one ship has arrived and now the number of ships has been reduced,” he said, adding that Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor should consider allowing debates on this following discussions with Johari.
“Clearly, this is an issue that also affects sovereignty and national security,” Syed Saddiq added.
In response, Ramli said the Muar MP could still appeal the decision.
“In this house, we are bound by rules. You can make an appeal with various rulings allowing this.
“Use this. I believe this is your second term as an MP and are aware of this,” he told Syed Saddiq.
– The Star