VIDEO | 3.16 mins

PARLIAMENT PKR vice-president N Surendran today became the first MP to be ejected from the current session of the Dewan Rakyat, when trying to raise a petition under a Standing Order.

The first-term Padang Serai MP was trying to explain his petition, querying the death in custody of P Karuna Nithi, after it was rejected by speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia before Question Time.

But Pandikar swiftly ejected Surendran, who was also subjected to catcalls and gestures from BN MPs before he left the House.

Surendran was left fuming with the decision, saying it proves his claim on Monday that this is a "dictatorial Parliament".

He also called Pandikar’s actions as stemming out of the “height of arrogance”.

“I stood up just to explain my petition, and he did not let me explain,” said Surendran.

Surendran earlier raised his petition under Standing Order 14 (F), which stipulates that such a petition must be raised before the commencement of Question Time.

“The rule states that members of public can bring in a petition so that the Dewan Rakyat listens to their complaint or grievances,” Surendran said.

The petition was being raised on behalf of Karuna Naithi’s family members, who were present at the Parliament today.

But Pandikar insisted that by convention, the petition must be raised after Question Time.

When Surendran insisted on explaining himself, Pandikar instructed him to leave the House.

Unless Pandikar states otherwise, rules dictate that Surendran would not be allowed into the Dewan Rakyat for two days, which means he could only return next Monday.

Family unable to submit petition

Karuna Nithi’s family members were also unable to submit their petition to the House after being barred by security personnel, which resulted in Michelle Yesudas, a lawyer for the family, engaging in a shouting match with guards in the Parliament.

Michelle claimed that one of the security personnel had shoved her a couple of times, resulting in unhappiness from her and the family members.

“Is this how you treat the rakyat? Can you lay your hands on a woman?” she was heard shouting at a guard.

The family were later ordered out of the Parliament lobby before they could talk to reporters.