[UPDATED] RM900 bil outflow in Pandora Papers ‘not urgent’: Art Harun

KUALA LUMPUR – Dismissing opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s request to discuss the Pandora Papers in the lower House today, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun said that the RM900 billion outflow revealed in the exposé was “not urgent”. 

Despite his admittance that it is an important matter, Azhar turned to Standing Order 23(1)i, saying MPs are not allowed to use media reports to bring up issues in the lower House.

“I agree that it must be investigated. The problem is, I don’t think it is urgent. Our meeting prioritises the Order Papers. When we need to set them aside, it means that something is urgent.

“Even though a matter is important, it doesn’t necessarily mean it should be categorised as urgent. Firstly, this (Pandora Papers) can be raised at any time. This is a continuous issue. It can also be raised through other forms.

“It can be raised during the ministers’ question time, or through investigations, royal commission of inquiry, and even select committees,” said Azhar.

However, the opposition leader continued to press the speaker and criticised him for citing a technicality in the Standing Orders to avoid a motion to discuss the issue.

Azhar said it is better for the parliamentary select committees to study the issue, seeing that it will be a more in-depth one compared to the 30 to 40 minutes discussion in the Dewan Rakyat.

However, that did not sit well with Anwar, who said it is better for the Pandora Papers to be explored by the lower House before a detailed study is conducted by the relevant select committee.

“RM900 billion has left the country. Is that not urgent? I’ve heard your speech on 1MDB before this. Please be consistent. This is the country’s money, the people’s money.

“I’m not making any accusations but at the very least the prime minister can promise us that a RCI (Royal Commission of Inquiry) will be conducted and there will be a transparent investigation. That’s all that we want. I disagree with you using technical points (to avoid the discussion).

“Why can’t it be done?” questioned Anwar.

Wading into the fray, R. Sivarasa (Sg Buloh-PH) questioned Azhar’s sense of priority, saying that he could make way in the order paper for fire safety measures in Health Ministry premises following a fire at a health clinic in Kuching.

The PKR lawmaker then asked if the order paper can only be set aside under the Standing Orders if it pertains only to fires.

Azhar then tried to defend his position saying that the fire in Sarawak had involved public lives and safety.

Finally, Anwar said he will submit a request for Azhar to review his decision regarding the Pandora Papers. – The Vibes, October 6, 2021