KUALA LUMPUR – Speaker Datuk Seri Azhar Azizan Harun has backtracked on his decision to allow only 80 MPs in the Dewan Rakyat for the Budget 2021 debate, following pressure from lawmakers right before the bill’s tabling this evening.
He decided this after opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson) raised the issue, pointing out that there would be no difference between yesterday and today, as MPs have already been in close contact with one another.
“This is a special hearing for Budget 2021.
“The speaker should give space to MPs to attend to this in the House.
“I understand this is because of health reasons, but I don’t think this will affect us.”
He was immediately backed by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan), who said it was a good proposal and that MPs should back it.
Azhar was at first reluctant to allow it, saying the matter has been discussed a few times, including this morning, with party whips, who reached a consensus on the move to limit the number of lawmakers in the House.
He was supported by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law) Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, who said the matter has been decided and a new motion is needed to allow all lawmakers into the chamber.
However, MPs from both sides of the divide, including veteran parliamentarians Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan), Datuk Seri Tajuddin Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak), Tan Sri Noh Omar (BN-Tg Karang), Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub (BN-Machang) and Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir (independent-Jerlun), piled pressure on the speaker.
Mukhriz said Azhar made a mistake by saying a consensus was reached, as independents were not called in to give their take on the 80-MP limit.
Azhar finally relented, with Bung Moktar pointing out that the speaker has discretionary powers.
“I should have been given notice first. Very well, I invite them in. Let’s give them five minutes (to come in),” said Azhar, to applause from lawmakers.
After MPs re-entered the chamber, the speaker told them that the limit will be applied again come Monday.
Azhar said he does not like making unilateral decisions, especially as he had consulted party whips on the matter.
Since Parliament reconvened on November 2, daily sittings have been shortened over Covid-19, with one infection involving an aide to a senator. – The Vibes, November 6, 2020
