KUALA LUMPUR – The debate on the Supply Bill 2021, in respect of the Budget, in Parliament can be extended to allow the government and opposition to find the best point of agreement, said a constitutional expert.
Associate Prof Shamrahayu Abdul Aziz said this can be done with MPs’ consent if an agreement has not been reached, and further discussions are needed.
“Assuming that there are some things that cannot be agreed on and require more specific study, then voting on the 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 compared to other laws, the Supply Bill 2021 is the most important,” he told the Ruang Bicara programme on Bernama TV last night.
The debate on the Budget will continue for the ninth day today.
Shamrahayu said the addition or removal of items and proposals can be done.
“If the government accepts (the amendments), then it is allowed. What matters is that when a debate takes place, MPs can propose, add or remove the bill.
“If the justification is good and the government is open to the idea, it can be accepted.”– Bernama, November 23, 2020
