SHAH ALAM, Aug 13 — Selangor State Legislative Assembly Speaker Lau Weng San today said Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari is still Selat Klang assemblyman, as a review found no evidence affecting his status.
During a press conference at the State Secretariat Building here after today’s assembly sitting, Lau said his office received a notification that an assemblyman could lose his position due to his political affiliation.
“I reviewed (the matter), as of Monday morning, there is no such issue, so I don’t have to make any announcement about any assemblyman. The review was done comprehensively and touched on every aspect, involving every assemblyman,” he added.
His clarification came following a report that Rashid was facing a bankruptcy order, amid purported issues with his political membership.
Previously, the High Court reportedly terminated a bankruptcy order on Rashid after allowing his appeal under Section 105 of the Insolvency Act 1967.
Based on a court order dated August 7, the bankruptcy order against Rashid issued on April 1 had been cancelled, while appeal costs were borne by the judgment debtor.
Meanwhile, Lau said a list of assemblymen who haven’t attended sittings will be made public on social media.
He said their absenteeism has led to them being unable to submit questions, receive replies, and present their views and recommendations.
He advised elected representatives to pay attention during sittings and prevent scheduling conflicts.
“They may not attend at times because they have things to do in their constituency. Whatever the case, our advice is for assemblymen to attend and pay attention in assembly sittings.
“We aren’t always in session; only thrice a year for two weeks each time or less, so it’s better to attend if you don’t have anything else that is important,” Lau said.
He added that attendance is important as assemblymen receive RM200 for each morning session and RM150 for afternoon sessions.
He also said that for the next sitting in November, elected representatives must prepare questions and matters to raise by mid-October.
“Committees start meeting next week, all will sit three weeks before the assembly sitting so we can make preparations,” Lau said, adding that some summaries or replies will be broadcast on social media.
