Deputy Speaker chides finance minister, deputies for absence from Dewan Rakyat despite Speaker earlier ruling otherwise

KUALA LUMPUR – Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and his two deputies have been rebuked by Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said after they failed to show up during the Budget 2021 debates, here today.

This is despite Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun, when chairing the proceedings earlier, responding there is no requirement under the parliamentary standing orders for the minister or deputy to be present in order for proceedings to carry on.

Azhar had also argued that the debates could be monitored online via live streaming, and that all questions would still be answered during the minister’s winding up speech later.

In an about turn, Azalina said later in the proceedings, that it is vital that at least one of them is present in the House to listen to the feedback and suggestions by parliamentarians, considering the importance of the topic being discussed. 

“I would like to ask the minister or his two deputies to please sit in the Dewan when the MPs are debating, because the issue at hand is very important as it involves the budget. 

“I know everyone is busy, but please pass this message along to them, one of them must be in the House,” she said right before today’s Dewan Rakyat sitting was adjourned. 

Rayer had raised the issue a second time today with Azalina, who initially responded that any queries should be forwarded to the Speaker. However, she later chided Zafrul and his deputies for their continued absence throughout the proceedings.

The two deputy finance ministers are Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri and Mohd Shahar Abdullah. 

Azhar had, earlier in the day, responded to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) who had sought an explanation on why none of the three top officials from the Finance Ministry were present during the budget debates. 

“Why are none of them here today? One of them must be present. We are discussing a budget at a time of Covid-19. They must listen to our opinions to provide their responses later,” Rayer said. – The Vibes, November 11, 2020