KUALA LUMPUR • Parliament has approved a motion to refer opposition MP Nurul Izzah Anwar to the Rights and Privileges Committee over her meeting with the daughter of the late self-proclaimed Sulu sultan, who ordered the 2013 invasion of Lahad Datu in Sabah.

House Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia said a motion to cite the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president for going against her oath as a parliamentarian passed with 105 in favour and 77 against.

Saying she accepted the decision, Ms Nurul Izzah said she had done her best to explain her actions before the vote.

"I accept the decision of Parliament, I have nothing to hide, and will continue my defence before the Rights and Privileges Committee."

She said she would call witnesses to assist in her defence once the committee convenes a hearing.

Earlier, in an address to the House after the motion was tabled, she was on the verge of tears as she apologised and defended her meeting with Ms Jacel Kiram.

She stressed that, as an MP, she had sworn to "defend the flag" and was willing to work with the government with regard to Sabah.

The motion was tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said and supported by ruling Barisan Nasional MP Rosnah Shirlin.

Datuk Seri Azalina said the best platform for Ms Nurul Izzah to explain herself was before the committee. "That will be fair as the committee is represented not only by members of the government but by the opposition bench," she said.

Opposition Democratic Action Party MP Gobind Singh Deo called the motion "an abuse of parliamentary process".

A photo of Ms Nurul Izzah with Ms Kiram, taken during a trip to Manila to rally for the release of her father Anwar Ibrahim, sparked criticism from many quarters.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK