KUALA LUMPUR – Former deputy minister Hannah Yeoh (Segambut-PH) today questioned Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Rashid Hasnon on whether debates in the august House continue to be meaningful.
Her sharp retort came as she accused Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Siti Zailah Yusoff (Rantau Panjang-PAS) of avoiding questions when presenting her ministry’s 12th Malaysia Plan winding-up speech.
“Speaker, look at the situation in Parliament now. There seems to be no meaning in debates.
“This makes a mockery of Parliament. We can’t ask questions and there’s no point in getting written answers,” Yeoh added.
She said that the ministers conducting their winding-up speeches were merely reading scripts, and added that it was important that they address issues because the 12MP forms the nation’s development trajectory for the next five years.
During Zailah’s speech, Yeoh queried on the ministry’s timeline to enact new laws and amendments relating to social welfare and women issues – particularly the Sexual Harassment Bill.
“You said the ministry has finished its studies concerning the welfare needs of senior citizens and would prepare a draft to enact laws.
“Timeline-wise, the ministry has to table new laws for senior citizens, gender equality, social workers, sexual harassment, and amendments for the disabled.
“Which is going to go first, will we see any of them tabled this year?” Yeoh asked.
However, Zailah pointed out that Yeoh did not bring this question up in the debate, but nevertheless added that a process has to be followed to enact these laws.
“We are working towards it. God willing, we can present the Sexual Harassment Bill to Parliament by year-end,” Zailah said.
Meanwhile, Kasthuri Patto (Batu Kawan-PH) pointed out that when Pakatan Harapan was ruling the country, the government was ready to table the Sexual Harassment Bill and amend the Penal Code to make stalking a crime.
Replying to Kasthuri, Zailah said that the PH government had 22 months in power and failed to enact those laws. – The Vibes, October 6, 2021
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