Nga Kor Ming quits as deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker before motion to remove him tabled

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 — Teluk Intan MP Nga Kor Ming has tendered his resignation as the Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker, just moments before a motion to remove him from the post was tabled by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Nga announced his resignation during a press conference in the media room earlier, adding that his decision was in solidarity with Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, who was removed as Speaker earlier.

Muhyiddin later withdrew his motion under Standing Order 4(1) to remove Nga, owing to the latter’s resignation.

“This morning, we witnessed, for the first time in Malaysia’s history, a credible Speaker was kicked out, without any reason.

“Therefore, in full solidarity with Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff, I want to state that on principle, I would only serve a government chosen by the people.

“Therefore, I hereby announce that I resign as the deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, immediately.

“As a matter of principle and honour, I hereby offer my resignation with immediate effect, in full solidarity with Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff.

“I was actually waiting for the motion to be passed because we were elected by the House and we should be removed by the House. That is the principle, and I hold high hopes.

“I believe history will record Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff and my humble self, that we will be always remembered as Dewan Rakyat Speakers who upheld the supremacy of the law and always made sure the Dewan Rakyat’s image was always well taken care of,” he said, before adding that he hoped the duo’s successors would continue parliamentary reforms.

Nga pointed to the then Pakatan Harapan (PH) government’s plan to revive the Parliamentary Services Act 1963 (PSA) as part of a slew of plans proposed, to improve governance.

Putrajaya mulled reintroducing the PSA as early as 2015, but PH’s victory in the 14th general election had solidified the proposal.

“If we come, we come in honour, and if we go, we will bow out in honour,” he said.

The Dewan Rakyat had today approved a motion to remove Mohamad Ariff, with 111 yays to 109 nays.

Opposition MPs had earlier called for bloc voting to decide on the motion tabled by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Malay Mail was informed that Kota Marudu MP Datuk Seri Maximus Johnity Ongkili was absent for medical reasons, while another vote belonged to Deputy Speaker Datuk Rashid Hasnon, who was unable to cast his vote as he was presiding over the meeting

Earlier, the debate over the motion had extended into lunch hour, as per de facto Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Law Minister Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan’s proposal under Standing Order 12 (1).