The National Assembly barely had time to settle after the Opposition Leader was confirmed before the Speaker signalled that discipline could be next.
Just moments after offering congratulations to newly elected Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, Speaker Manzoor Nadir issued a pointed warning from the floor of the 65-member House: comments Mohamed previously made about the Speaker, described by Nadir as “vile,” could be referred to the Privileges Committee.
Nadir told MPs that criticism of the Speaker is not off-limits, but it must be done through the proper parliamentary channel. If members want to challenge the Speaker, he said, they must bring a motion in the House rather than attacking the office publicly, including during periods when Parliament is not in a formal sitting. While noting that he has “thick skin” after more than four decades in public life, Nadir said he is prepared to act firmly, and indicated that the remarks attributed to Mohamed remain on the list of matters that could be sent to the Privileges Committee.
The Speaker used the moment to remind MPs that their conduct is governed by the Constitution, the Standing Orders and the MPs’ Handbook, and he urged members to acquaint themselves with those rules.
Mohamed has been sharply critical of Nadir over the lengthy delay in convening opposition MPs to elect a Leader of the Opposition, a process that took about three months. Nadir has said his hesitation was tied to concerns about a “fugitive” being elevated to the post. Mohamed has been sanctioned by the United States and is facing extradition proceedings alongside his father, Nazar Mohamed, over allegations including mail and wire fraud. They have denied wrongdoing.
Despite the warning, Nadir confirmed the election outcome to the House and said he has informed the President that the Office of the Leader of the Opposition has now been filled.
