Lajim-Tan war of words over rejected motion
Published on: Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: A WAR of words erupted between State opposition leader Datuk Lajim Ukin and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Raymond Tan during the debate at the State Assembly on Monday over the former's rejected motion on security issues.In defending his right to table the motion in the assembly, Lajim said the reason given for the rejection of the motion was not listed in the point of order cited by the Speaker."Furthermore, this issue is not a personal issue but a very grave issue. If the Prime Minister is concerned about it, how come we are not?
ADVERTISEMENT
"We should at least propose the steps to be taken especially after the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed that there are terrorist cells in each of the 60 State constituencies in Sabah," said Lajim.However, in clarifying his reason for the rejection, Speaker Datuk Syed Abas Syed Ali explained that it is imperative that security issues are not openly discussed in the assembly and should only be the exclusive domain of the National Security Council and State Security Committee."We are not in the know of what is actually going on. If there is any issue that is classified, it is better that such matter is not discussed during the sitting. You can mention it in the assembly, but not to outsiders as security is a very delicate matter," he said.However, Lajim asserted that such discussion would be beneficial in bringing to light some weaknesses and to ensure that security forces will be at the ready at all times if they knew they are accountable.
ADVERTISEMENT
At this juncture, Tan stood up to remind Lajim that since the motion had been rejected, it is pointless for him to insist on bringing the issue to the assembly and advised Lajim to write a letter to the Speaker.Lajim defended himself saying that he had indeed written the letter and questioned Tan why he butted in.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Motion on sovereignty and security had already been brought to the assembly in the previous sitting on Nov 26. During the time, the motion was debated. But after we asked the opposition to voice out their stand and vote on the issue, you all ran away."Furthermore, during that time, you were not in here at all. This is a waste of time," Tan said.Lajim asked Tan if he thought it is a waste of time to discuss the fact that there are foreign commanders in his constituency but Tan repeated his statement that Lajim had dishonoured his right to discuss matters in the assembly because he was absent in the previous sitting.At this point, Lajim demanded to the Speaker that Tan take back his carelessly worded accusation which he said were maliciously stated."During that time, I was absent because I was sick. The Speaker knew this. I had given him my medical certificate and the Speaker can confirm this. I want him to take back his words," he said.The Speaker affirmed that he had indeed received the medical chit from Lajim and confirmed that Lajim was sick but refused to let the bickering continue.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
