KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition MPs walked out of the Dewan Rakyat today after Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun allowed three lawmakers in full protective gear to participate in the Federal Territories Ministry’s budget vote.
Xavier Jayakumar (PH-Kuala Langat) questioned the presence of the three MPs in the House.
Azhar said he allowed the trio to participate in the vote.
“Last Thursday, there was an MP from this side (opposition) who did not follow the quarantine instructions and came to vote.
“I do not want that to happen again, so I better regulate voting today.”
Azhar’s remarks angered opposition MPs, who then started leaving the House.
As they did so, shouts of “Drive them out”, “Speaker is not fair” and “This is about our safety, we have a family to protect” were heard.
It is understood that the three MPs are Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan and Batu lawmaker P. Prabakaran of PKR.
Dr Adham and Saravanan were last week reported as being ordered to undergo home quarantine after coming into close contact with Covid-19 patients.
The Federal Territories Ministry’s budget was approved with 110 votes and seven against.
Thirty-one lawmakers abstained, while 72 were absent. – The Vibes, December 14, 2020
