PORT-OF-SPAIN (CMC):

Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday was suspended from Parliament Friday, prompting his United National Congress (UNC) colleagues to call for a no-confidence motion against the Speaker of the House who initiated the action.

The controversial politician was removed from Parliament after a noisy confrontation with Speaker Barry Sinanan who had repeatedly ordered him to put away a laptop he was using.

When Panday first ignored the request, Sinanan issued a reminder to parliamentarians about the conditions under which they were allowed to use computers.

He told the UNC leader that he did not seek permission to use the device and, therefore, needed to put it away.

However, when Panday continued his rebuff of the speaker's orders, the House voted in favour of his suspension.

The sitting was adjourned, but no date set for Parliament to reconvene.

Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, Panday said the action against him amounted to vindictiveness.