GEORGE TOWN – The Penang assembly’s sitting for the state’s budget for 2023 barely had quorum due to the absence of several elected representatives and the distracting uncertainty surrounding a new federal government.
It was observed that aides were forced to hand out small notes to assemblymen milling outside, requesting that they return to the hall to ensure that the quorum was met at all times.
Many representatives were busy outside checking for updates on their smartphones about the quandary that the country finds itself in after the 15th general election concluded.
Earlier today, the sitting was adjourned for a few hours at 4pm instead of the scheduled 7pm adjournment when two backbenchers could not complete preparing for their debate speeches.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (Padang Kota-DAP), a usually reserved person, was seen looking frustrated, asking how come the assemblymen did not come prepared for the sitting.
“What is so difficult to prepare for the speeches? At our rallies, some of us spoke without needing to refer to our notes,” he said.
Later, Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang told journalists that he will remind the 40 elected representatives to respect the House by attending the proceedings.
Notably absent today were DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng (Air Putih) and PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (Pantai Jerejak).
The latter was seen accompanying PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Kuala Lumpur on the possibility of forming the federal government.
“I will remind the assemblymen to attend our proceedings,” said Law.
The budget sitting is supposed to end by Friday when the state is expected to pass its financial requirement for next year’s fiscal operations. – The Vibes, November 22, 2022
