The People's National Movement (PNM) has called for a criminal investigation into the conduct of Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath following an incident during Friday night's sitting of the Standing Finance Committee, accusing him of intimidating a Parliamentary staff member.

In a statement issued late Friday, the Opposition also called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to remove Padarath, the Couva North MP, from the post of Leader of Government Business, saying his actions were incompatible with the office he holds.

The PNM's statement followed an incident during proceedings of the Standing Finance Committee after Government members complained that their microphones had been muted.