KUALA LUMPUR – Two opposition parliamentarians have filed a motion to refer Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru-PAS) to Parliament’s Rights and Privileges Committee for confusing the Dewan Rakyat.
This is in reference to his statement on Monday that the government had revoked all emergency ordinances effective July 21, which took the House by surprise.
Raising the matter at the sitting today, Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong-PH) sought Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon (Batu Pahat-BN) for a ruling on his motion, which was also submitted by Mohamed Hanipa Maidin (Sepang-PH) yesterday.
Gobind asked if lawmakers will be allowed to debate the motion, pointing out that the speaker’s office has acknowledged receiving the notice.
M. Kula Segaran (Ipoh Barat-PH) said the matter should be given urgency, especially as the current special sitting will only convene for five days.
Hanipa similarly urged for a ruling from the speaker and called for a vote for the matter to be immediately discussed in the House, but was turned down by Rashid.
“We will decide later. I need to refer to the speaker (Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun). He will be in the Dewan in an hour,” said Rashid.
Takiyuddin’s announcement that the ordinances have been revoked has created confusion, with many questioning if the matter had been referred to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for assent.
Several quarters also questioned what will happen to enforcement action taken by the authorities using powers accorded to them by the ordinances after July 21.
Rashid said several motions filed by Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (Beruas-PH) seeking explanation on the emergency proclamation and promulgation of the ordinances are being considered by the speaker’s office.
Ngeh had questioned why his motions were not included in the order papers today, despite it being more than two days since the filing was made. – The Vibes, July 28, 2021