IPOH: Twenty five Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen temporarily walked out from the state assembly to protest speaker Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (pix), whom they claimed was biased in his actions.
However, three PAS assemblymen sat through to take part in the debate.
The BN representatives later returned to their seats.
Opposition leader Datuk Saarani Mohamad (BN-Kota Tampan) said: “It is debate time and we found the speaker speaking on behalf of the ruling party.
“He even got into the debate ... and replied to questions raised ... he should not intervene or defend anyone.
“He wants to answer on behalf of the government and when we (opposition) debate he gets involved.
“The speaker should not be showing off ... If he practices the attitude he will not be able to control the sitting,“ he told reporters.
The minor fracas occurred when Saarani, who was debating the budget, congratulated Ngeh who had been listed as the richest MP following the declarations of his assets.
In response, Ngeh raised the issue of seizing power by BN from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in 2009. PR ruled the state for 11 months before BN took over the administration.
This caused a commotion and the BN representatives walked out.
Saarani compared the speaker’s post to a referee in a football match who have to perform his task with a fair hand.
