Select committee to start proceedings on Sulu claims

The Special Select Committee on International Affairs will begin proceedings on the issue of the Sulu group’s claim on federal assets on Aug 11, in line with the provisions of Standing Order 83(4) of the Dewan Rakyat.

Its chairman Salahuddin Ayub (PH-Pulai) said the proceedings should be carried out after several motions submitted by MPs in line with Standing Orders 18(1) and (2) were rejected for debate in the Dewan Rakyat.

"This committee has discussed and is of the view that the claims (of the Sulu group) are a very serious issue. If it is not handled well, it could affect the country’s interests.

"Accordingly, this committee made the decision that is in line with its function as set by the Dewan Rakyat to carry out a check and balance role of the actions of the government (in handling the matter) and uphold the dignity of the institution of parliamentary democracy," he said at a press conference at the Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar would be summoned to attend the proceedings.

The committee comprises Mohamed Nazri Aziz (BN-Padang Rengas), Azizah Mohd Dun (Bersatu-Beaufort), Che Abdullah Mat Nawi (PAS-Tumpat), Tiong King Sing (GPS-Bintulu), Sim Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru), Kasthuriraani Patto (PH-Batu Kawan) and Awang Husaini Sahari (PH-Putatan).