KUALA LUMPUR – Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s one-liner yesterday on the revocation of emergency ordinances continues to trigger confusion and outrage in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Even government backbenchers and Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Pengerang-BN) admitted that they were unaware of the so-called “cabinet decision” announced by the Kota Baru MP from PAS.
“If it’s true that the emergency (ordinances have) been revoked or cancelled, there’s no point for us to discuss this. It’s already academic,” said backbencher Tan Sri Noh Omar (Tg Karang-BN) to resounding support from the opposition.
“He’s right!” said Pakatan Harapan MPs.
Datuk Azis Jamman (Sepanggar-Warisan) then shouted at Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun when the latter took over to preside over the House.
“There’s no need for us to discuss this! What for? We are here to discuss the emergency!”
Noh called for his rival’s patience, and requested to continue speaking.
“I am a member of the Special Independent Emergency Committee appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to end the emergency. Now, there’s no use for me to be appointed to the special committee,” he said to thunderous applause from the opposition.
The decision to continue or revoke the emergency should be proclaimed by the Agong. That’s what I mean.”
Azhar, however, refused to bow to lawmakers’ demands.
He maintained that Takiyuddin will answer emergency-related queries on Monday despite the heavy cloud of confusion over the country on the status of the ordinances.
Earlier today, Azalina said she was unaware of the cabinet decision on the revocation.
“As an MP, I’m in the same situation. I believe there are many lawyers out there asking the same question. Seeing that we are a parliamentary democracy, I’ve been informed that the law minister will give his reply on Monday.”
R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH) told the chamber that he has made calls to his lawyer friends in Penang, including enforcement chiefs and the state’s legal adviser, on whether they have received a gazette or circular from Putrajaya in relation to the matter.
Faced with MPs’ grilling, Azhar stuttered and took long pauses before responding.
Opposition chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Port Dickson-PH) took the matter a step further, putting himself on record over the Perikatan Nasional administration’s failure to respond to queries from the floor.
“I want to put this on the parliamentary record for both opposition and government MPs. Parliament today must record the firm statements made on the issues of the emergency, the revocation, and the clarification request on whether the Agong has granted his assent.
“It is clear that the government is not ready to admit that the Agong has granted his assent. Parliament must record this because up till now, there has been no statement from the prime minister or law minister.”
He also reprimanded Azhar for allowing Takiyuddin to “hide behind the speaker”. – The Vibes, July 27, 2021
