MPs unite to file motion to debate temple issue in Parliament
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THE government, opposition and independent MPs came together today and filed separate motions to postpone the Dewan Rakyat debate to make way for discussions on the commotion that broke out at the 147-year-old Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya.
Two motions were filed under Standing Order 18(1) – one by Barisan Nasional’s Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee and the other by PKR’s Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi said the motion was passed by Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof and is being considered for debate on Thursday.
“We, members of Parliament from both sides, have gathered this evening to file an immediate motion under Standing Order 18(1) to debate on a matter of public importance regarding the incident at a temple in Seafield.
“The motion has been filed and accepted by the speaker’s office and he has said it will be considered for debate on Thursday,” Fahmi said at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today.
Among the MPs with him were Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Arau MP Shahidan Kassim, Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati and Tanjong Karang MP Noh Omar.
Noh Omar requested for Selangor’s people especially to unite and maintain the country’s harmony.
Ramkarpal said the issue should be discussed together to bring stability to the situation.
“The matter should be handled seriously. We need to have a civilised debate on it,” he said.
At a separate press conference previously, Bera MP Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the issue should be discussed in Parliament due to fears that it would spread to other parts of the country.
He also expressed his disappointment that some parties had taken advantage of the matter and turned it into a racial issue.
“This is not good for our country because we have been peaceful and tolerant of all races all this while,” added Ismail. – November 27, 2018.