KUALA LUMPUR: The first hour of the Special Sitting of Parliament today was heated up by questions and intrusions from over 15 parliamentarians from the Opposition who mostly referred to the Standing Order over the absence of debate and voting on matters tabled by the ministers.
Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna), Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor), Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Pejuang-Langkawi), Sim Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru) and Datuk Mahfuz Omar (PH-Pokok Sena) were among those who voiced their dissatisfaction over the five-day session that began today.
Dr Mahathir claimed that the Perikatan Nasional was trying to delude the world by holding the special sitting of the Dewan Rakyat which he called a briefing session without debate.
"This is a deception, more so with the pressing COVID-19 pandemic being made an excuse to declare an emergency and not tabled in the House to be debated.
"On the National Recovery Plan (NRP), if the government wishes to inform on this to this House, we don't need an explanation. We need to have a debate on the people's sufferings, but it is not in the agenda," said the former prime minister.
Earlier, Mohd Shafie, the first who stood up for clarification from Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar, asked whether the special sitting was in line with the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Federal Constitution.
The atmosphere then got even more heated up when Ramkarpal questioned why the emergency declaration and the ordinance under the proclamation was not brought before the Dewan Rakyat and also asked whether Azhar had received any directive to do so. "If that was the agenda, resign," he added.
Meanwhile, Sim stated that if the special sitting this time had no debate session, it was regarded as disobeying the order of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"In His Majesty's statement ... this (parliamentary sitting) is to enable the emergency ordinance and NRP to be debated by members of the Dewan Rakyat... I hope the Speaker does not drag Parliament towards disobedience. The Speaker has a responsibility of defending the Federal Constitution and upholding the decree of His Majesty," he said.
Following this, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law), Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan explained that the Dewan Rakyat special sitting was based on the Standing Orders and it was not the first time it was held.
"Under the Standing Orders, this can be regarded as part of the Federal Constitution as it was made based on Article 62 (1) of the constitution.
"This is part of the constitution....based on Standing Order 11(3) read out by our opposition friend and which clearly states that in the context of the Malaysian Parliament, there are the ordinary sittings and special sittings," he said.
He also stated that Standing Order 11 (3) gave the prime minister the power to ask the Dewan Rakyat Speaker to call for a special sitting, while showing the prime minister's letter to the Speaker on the agenda of the special sitting which was made in the interest of the people, including the emergency proclamation and emergency ordinance.
Meanwhile, Azhar Azizan in making the ruling, said the special sitting was held in accordance with Standing Order 11 (3) and he had been told by the prime minister to hold it in the interest of the public.
He said the order clearly stated that the prime minister had the prerogative to decide on all parliamentary meeting matters.
"Hence, this special sitting is the prerogative of the prime minister and secondly, the affairs of the special sitting shall be decided by the prime minister," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Jul 26 2021
Shafie Apdal, Tun M, Sim Tze Tzin, Mahfuz Omar among those who voiced dissatisfaction over the five-day session that began today. Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia photo
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.