Speaker asks Teo to explain comments against Tasek Gelugor MP

Speaker asks Teo to explain comments against Tasek Gelugor MP

PETALING JAYA: Deputy communications and digital minister Teo Nie Ching has been asked by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul to explain her recent statements in response to Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan’s comments during the recent parliamentary session.

This follows a motion to refer Teo to the privileges committee, submitted by Wan Saiful himself.

Wan Saiful, in a Facebook post, confirmed receiving a copy of the letter Johari sent to Teo.

This was about her remarks regarding Wan Saiful’s advice to tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing to behave himself, following a widely circulated video footage of the minister drinking alcohol and dancing in public.

“I brought forward this motion because I have observed that the government often uses 3R (race, religion and royalty) sentiments when they cannot address certain issues,” Wan Saiful said in the post.
He said the advice he had given Tiong was only about being a good role model and did not involve or mention any religious values.

In the Parliament session on Nov 8, Teo had allegedly misinterpreted Wan Saiful’s statement and instructed him to highlight the part in the code of ethics stating that a non-Muslim minister or deputy minister cannot consume alcohol.

“Teo had portrayed it wrongly. I did not question the rights of non-Muslims to consume alcohol.

“I hope the house will take appropriate action in this matter.”

Teo has until Nov 17 to submit her response.

Speaker asks Teo to explain comments against Tasek Gelugor MP