Motion to refer Jamil Khir to Rights and Privileges Committee rejected

KUALA LUMPUR: Parliament today rejected a motion to refer Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom to the Rights and Privileges Committee.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said he had gone through the case and could not establish a prima facie case to reprimand Jamil Khir, who is in charge of Islamic Affairs.
The motion was brought forward by Sibu MP (DAP) Oscar Ling who said Jamil Khir may have attempted to mislead the Dewan Rakyat by using his own personal opinions in a written Parliamentary reply.
Jamil Khir said in the reply that Malaysia is not a secular state as provided by several provisions in the Federal Constitution including Article 3 where it is stated that Islam is the official religion of the Federation although other religions may be practiced.
Pandikar said Jamil Khir did not attempt to mislead the house as the word "secular", based on Pandikar's own interpretation and understanding, means a separation between religion and state.