Kota Kinabalu: The State Legislative Assembly (DUN) should consider suspending Warisan’s Tungku Assemblyman Assafal P. Alian for his incorrect and misleading statement in the dewan that the Federal and State governments had handed over the oil-rich Ambalat block in the Sulawesi Sea to Indonesia.
Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) Chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar said it was tantamount to defaming the Federal Government and jeopardise public order as well as upsetting the people of Sabah.
He said Assafal’s statement could also put the strong ties between Malaysia and Indonesia at risk.
“Federal Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad bin Alamin also described it as irresponsible, slanderous and misleading. I agree with Mohamad who viewed Assafal’s statement as a threat to the country’s sovereignty.
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Assafal had claimed Federal made a decision on behalf of the State to hand over Ambalat block in Sulawesi Sea to Indonesia, adding it was one of many negligences of the State government leading to losses.
Zulkarnain said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had stated that the claim on Ambalat block has not been decided and there was no discussion at all about Ambalat block by Malaysia Government and Indonesia.
He said Mohamad explained many times that Malaysia and Indonesia have signed an agreement regarding the territorial sea demarcation involving both countries via the Sulawesi Sea treaty and not the area declared as Ambalat or over 200 nautical miles which is said to be the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
To a question, Zulkarnain said no doubt being an assembly member, Assafal has immunity on statements.
However, he believed the assembly has jurisdiction and specific laws and standing orders and regulations that must be complied, including punishing members found committing an offence or violating the law.
“Several assembly members have agreed to forward this report to the Sabah Speaker to request for a special committee to investigate Assafal.
She also reminded Yong that SAPP was not in attendance for any seat negotiations back in PRN16.
“During seats negotiations, only BN (Umno, MCA, PBRS), PBS, PPBM and Star were invited for the meeting.
“Thus, to allege that MCA ‘snatched’ Likas seat from SAPP (him) in the last minute is certainly not the least bit accurate,” said Dr Pamela.
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