THE Dewan Rakyat was briefly adjourned for five minutes on Tuesday morning after Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin refused to comply with a directive from Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, who had ruled that no additional questions could be posed following the conclusion of Minister’s Question Time (MQT).
The incident occurred shortly after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim concluded his second response during the MQT session at approximately 10.40 am, addressing allegations of an attempted government overthrow.
Hamzah rose to seek clarification regarding the Prime Minister’s call for cooperation between the opposition and the government for the sake of national security.
The Deputy Speaker reminded the Opposition Leader that MQT had officially ended, stating, “I have already made a decision. I will not retract my decision.”
However, Perikatan Nasional (PN) Chief Whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan suggested that Ramli could exercise discretion under Standing Order 43 to allow Hamzah to pose a question, noting his position as Opposition Leader.
“I do not permit it. I know you are the Opposition Leader. I am the Chairman, I understand,” Ramli told Hamzah.
Despite the warning, Hamzah continued with his question, prompting Ramli to ask the Member of Parliament for Larut to submit a motion.
Hamzah insisted that his intent was solely to obtain the Prime Minister’s clarification so that the opposition and the government could work together.
“That is why the Speaker’s role is to ensure that the House fosters cooperation, not to show power,” he said.
Takiyuddin then proposed that Ramli seek the Prime Minister’s consent on whether the question could proceed.
Nevertheless, Hamzah pressed on, leading the Deputy Speaker to instruct the sergeant-at-arms to temporarily suspend the sitting for five minutes, after which the parliamentary bell was sounded.
The brief disruption underscored ongoing tensions in the Dewan Rakyat, highlighting the delicate balance between parliamentary procedure and the opposition’s insistence on accountability and dialogue with the government. - March 3, 2026
