KUALA LUMPUR – Before the Budget 2021 debate was brought up in the Dewan Rakyat this morning, Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon told the House of a mistake in a bloc vote yesterday.
He said he was informed by Noor Amin Ahmad (PH-Kangar) that Datuk Shabudin Yahaya (Bersatu-Tasek Gelugor), who was the enumerator for Bloc C, mistakenly indicated Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (BN-Padang Rengas) in the bloc vote.
Nazri is said to not be present in the Dewan Rakyat during the vote.
This caused an uproar, with Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (independent-Muar) questioning the counting system.
“This is an important issue, although it does not change the results yesterday. How can we ensure that this mistake will not repeat itself?” he told Rashid.
The deputy speaker corrected him, saying the outcome of the check and balance was just late, not incorrect.
However, R.S.N. Rayer (PH-Jelutong) said the mistake came to light only because Noor Amin noticed Nazri’s absence.
“My question here is, how can this happen? I suggest that action be taken against the individual who made the mistake.”
A ruckus ensued, leading to Rashid switching off microphones in a bid to control the House, a move that Rayer said should not have been taken.
The MP added that Shabudin should explain how the calculations included an absentee.
“I noticed Padang Rengas a few minutes before counting the votes. Only during the counting Padang Rengas may not have been there. I have no intention of deceiving the Dewan Rakyat or doing anything contradictory,” said Shabudin in response.
Shouting resumed in the chamber, with demands for him to apologise.
However, Rashid thanked him for his explanation, and asked that lawmakers unhappy with the ruling write to the speaker.
Rayer stood up and requested a fresh vote of all ministries.
“Whether he has the intention to deceive us or not, we don’t know. I request for a re-vote as there was fraud!”
Rashid brought up a miscalculation on November 26, 2017 and that an apology was accepted then.
He said time should not be wasted, and that the Budget debate should continue.
“How can we make sure this won’t happen again? What happened in 2017 was wrong, and till today, there’s no explanation on how we can overcome this,” said Syed Saddiq.
“You are here as a speaker, not a Perikatan Nasional MP!” said Rayer.
Noor Amin requested to have the floor, as he was the one who brought up the issue.
“I wonder why the speaker brought up the issue of the Kapar miscalculation. It doesn’t answer the question, but reveals our shortcomings when voting in this hall.
“In my opinion, my friends’ request for assurances, not just verbal assurances, is valid, and the Dewan Rakyat must create a counting mechanism that everyone agrees with.”
Hannah Yeoh (PH-Segambut) called for another vote, but Rashid pressed on using Rule 43, resulting in more lawmakers standing up in opposition.
Mohamed Hanipa Maidin (PH-Sepang) told Rashid that he is now a laughing stock and should resign.
“Did you hear what Sepang said? Embarrassing! I ask Sepang to take it back! I want to hear you say you take it back!” said Rashid.
Rayer leapt to Hanipa’s defence.
To this, Rashid said: “If you stand up one more time, you’ll be kicked out of the Dewan.”
Mohamad Sabu (PH-Kota Raja) also requested that action be taken against Shabudin.
“He has admitted that he cheated in the count. He saw Nazri in the canteen, but supposed he was here (in the Dewan Rakyat).
“He has admitted that he cheated! When he admits that he cheated, he should be punished.”
Rashid told everyone to sit down or be ordered to leave.
Yeoh stood up to ask him what steps will be taken to guarantee that a vote miscalculation will not recur.
Rashid told her to take into account what was mentioned earlier.
“I will take it to the speaker to ensure that this won’t happen again.”
After interjections by Maszlee Malik (independent-Simpang Renggam) and Steven Sim (PH-Bukit Mertajam), the Budget debate resumed with Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh (PAS-Pasir Puteh). – The Vibes, December 1, 2020
