In cynical move, DAP MP refers himself to privileges committee

November 28, 2023

In cynical move, DAP MP refers himself to privileges committee

KUALA LUMPUR: A backbencher has referred himself to the Dewan Rakyat’s rights and privileges committee, in a cynical move over former transport minister Wee Ka Siong’s denial of being involved in the procurement of ventilators during the pandemic.

Last week, Kampar MP Chong Zhemin reportedly asked why Wee was involved in negotiating the ventilator deal in 2020, citing a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report.

The MCA president later denied he was involved, saying he was only responsible for transporting medical equipment, including the procured ventilators.

At a press conference in Parliament today, Chong said only one of them can be telling the truth since their statements made in the Dewan Rakyat were contradictory.

“Given that he (was a minister) at the time, we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt,” the DAP MP said.

Therefore, he said, he has referred himself to the rights and privileges committee so the record would be set straight, adding that there is nothing in the Standing Orders that prevents an MP from referring themselves to the committee.

“I hope the Speaker will allow this, and that the committee will establish a procedure to determine whether my statement is true or whether his (Wee’s) statement is true.

“Because he says that he’s right, I’ve decided not to refer him (to the committee). Since he’s right, I am referring myself to the committee,” he said.