[UPDATED] Speaker rejects debate on economic challenges in Dewan

KUALA LUMPUR – The motion to debate the country’s current economic challenges has been rejected by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun, with him saying it does not need to be expedited as the issue is regularly brought up for discussion.

He said the issue has been discussed in Parliament at least eight times, and he expects that it will be discussed again in the Lower House.

“Two questions (relating to the economic situation) have also been discussed today and were answered in length. It was discussed for 45 minutes (today). Tomorrow, there will be another question (on this).  

“While the Budget session will discuss the Budget 2023, I am sure that this issue will be heatedly debated by all Parliament members and will be answered by relevant ministries. That is why I have to reject this motion.”

In a notice submitted to Azhar on September 30, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Port Dickson-Pakatan Harapan) specifically sought to discuss the soaring prices of basic goods and the ringgit’s recent crash, which he argued have gravely affected the rakyat. 

The motion was filed in line with Standing Order 18, which allows any member of the House to seek to discuss any matter of urgent public importance, provided the speaker is satisfied that the matter is definite, urgent, and of public importance. 

Anwar responded by saying that he too expects the issue to be raised throughout the 23 days Budget sessions, but there is limited space for debates as the MPs are only provided very little time to pose additional questions for the government.  

“There is an urgency. What problems are the people facing now? The problem of high living costs. This is the most important thing. If this is not debated, I fear that the people will question the function of the “Parliament.”

He added that the answers that the government provided were not satisfying as they only gave “standard” answers.  

“(They answer) the projection is improving, we are going to recover. What does this say?” 

“They (government) are answering like the issue can be solved – (their answers) not showing their concern and not showing that they acknowledge that this is a real problem faced by the people.” – The Vibes, October 3, 2022