Budget 2021: Debate can be extended to reach agreement - Constitutional Expert

KUALA LUMPUR: The debate on the Supply Bill 2021 in respect of Budget 2021 in Parliament can be extended in an effort to find the best point of agreement between the government bloc and the opposition.

An expert on the Federal Constitution, Assoc Prof Dr Shamrahayu Abdul Aziz said this could be implemented with the consent of the Members of Parliament (MPs) if an agreement still could not be reached and a more thorough discussion was needed.

“Assuming there are some things that cannot be agreed upon and require more specific study, then voting on the (said) bill can be postponed.

“For example, if the debate is set for 10 days, then it can be extended as it is of (national) interest and (if) compared to other laws, the Supply Bill 2021 is the most important,” he said on the ‘Ruang Bicara’ talk show programme aired live on Bernama TV last night.

The debate on the Supply Bill 2021 is expected to continue for the ninth day in the Dewan Rakyat tomorrow before the winding up by the relevant minister.

Commenting further, Shamrahayu said the debate session in the Dewan Rakyat aimed to scrutinise every bill presented by the government so that it was thorough and ready for approval.

Through debate, amendments can also be made to add or remove any item or earlier proposal if necessary.

“If the government accepts (the amendments), then it is allowed. What matters is that when a debate takes place, the MPs can propose, add or remove the bill. If the justification is good and the government is open to to the idea, it can be accepted,” he said.

-- BERNAMA