KUALA LUMPUR: RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) has been ejected from the Dewan Rakyat after accusing Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon of abusing his power.

       Rashid also said Rayer will be suspended for two days beginning Tuesday (Sept 14)

       The DAP lawmaker had claimed that Rashid's actions were "memalukan (embarrassing)" during Parliament proceedings here on Tuesday (Sept 14).

       "Tarik balik (retract) those words, Jelutong," said Rashid, who subsequently issued three warnings to the defiant Rayer.

       "That is three times now, Jelutong. I order the sergeant-at-arms to immediately eject Jelutong now. Get out now," he said.

       Rayer was escorted by a sergeant-at-arms to the exit, as Opposition lawmakers continued to repeat the word in the House in protest.

       Rashid also said Rayer would be suspended for two days beginning Tuesday (Sept 14).

       Prior to Rayer's question, Gobind Singh Deo (PH-Puchong) and M. Kulasegaran (PH-Ipoh Barat) had asked for an update over the motion filed by several MPs regarding Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun's position as Parliament Speaker.

       However, the Speaker said he could not give an explanation and recused himself from making a decision over the matter due to conflict of interest, adding that it is now under the purview of Rashid.

       "You are a lawyer. I'm in a position of conflict, so I recuse myself. If I make a decision, you will surely complain right? So I don't want to get involved, I leave it to the deputy speaker," said Azhar Azizan in response to Gobind.

       Multiple Opposition MPs backed Gobind as they continued questioning him.

       Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson) then stood up, saying that Azhar Azizan's excuse was reasonable but said he should have given an answer earlier as the Speaker's position was of importance to the House.

       Azhar Azizan agreed with Gobind and asked Rashid to come in and give an explanation over the matter.

       Rashid then took over chairing the meeting from Azhar Azizan and revealed that the motion was rejected due to technicalities.

       He said there were a total of 15 motions, 11 by Amanah MPs and two motions filed by PKR MPs, but said all of the motions failed to fulfil technicalities that are required under Parliamentary Standing Orders.

       "I've also written in reply to each of the motions that were filed. Please read the answers and my decision is final.

       "But appeals can still be made. But, there were no appeals. So, my decision is final," said Rashid.

       Rayer then asked why the decision was not informed when it had already been made.

       To this, Rashid said that he had already replied to each of those who had filed the motions.

       "It is not a precedent to answer to the Dewan," he said.

       "You are abusing your power. People are watching you, shame," said Rayer.

       After Rayer was booted out, the House then adjourned for recess at 1pm.

       The appointment of a new deputy speaker is listed as the first item in Parliament's Order Papers for Tuesday.

       Two names have been tipped for the post, namely Umno's Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and DAP's Teluk Intan MP Nga Kor Ming.

       The Deputy Speaker position became vacant on Aug 23 when Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said resigned.