Dewan Rakyat: Furore over word 'treason' - NST

By : V. Vasudevan, B. Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini, Ili Liyana Mokhtar and Joseph Sipalan

A BACKBENCHER'S use of the word "treason" in reference to comments by Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) on the King's speech in the Dewan Rakyat created a furore among the opposition.

Fong Poh Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) said there should be no dispute over the question of loyalty to king and country and called on the chair to get Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) to withdraw the word.

"Because all the MPs had taken their oath of loyalty and expressed their allegiance every time they sang the national anthem Negaraku, it is not right to question our loyalty to the king."

Datuk Dr Mohamad Shahrum Osman (BN-Lipis) said taking the oath of loyalty and singing the national anthem were not enough in demonstrating one's allegiance to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"It must be reflected in our conduct. At times, our friends on the opposition bench speak with such vigour, to the extent that some feel they are not being loyal. Words must also justify our claims of loyalty."

Deputy speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar ruled that Razali did not intend to question Karpal's loyalty.

[More at http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/National/2234625/Article/index_html]