KUALA LUMPUR – An opposition MP drew the ire of Deputy Speaker Alice Lau and government backbenchers after interrupting Parliament proceedings and inaccurately citing a Standing Order.
The lower House erupted briefly when Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-PN) attempted to claim that an MP across the aisle had “confused” the Dewan Rakyat when the Local Government Development Ministry’s section of Budget 2023 was put to a voice vote.
Citing Standing Order 36(6), Shahidan said: “When the speaker (Lau) asked if there was anyone who disagreed with the motion (to approve the ministry’s allocation), I heard Jelutong (R.S.N. Rayer) answer.
“He has confused the Dewan Rakyat, (Standing Order) 36(12),” he said.
In response, Chong Zhemin (Kampar-PH) pointed out that parliamentary point of order 36(6) initially cited by Shahidan does not refer to statements that might mislead the august House as it actually stipulates that no member shall impute improper motives to any other member.
Meanwhile, the Standing Order Shahidan mentioned towards the end of his interjection, 36(12), states that any member who imputes misleading statements is deemed to be in contempt of the house and may be referred to the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges.
Government backbenchers could be heard calling for Shahidan to take his seat and stop taking up any more time from Parliament proceedings.
Following a short shouting match between MPs from both sides over whether Shahidan’s claim should be considered, an apparently exasperated Lau ordered the lawmaker to sit down and repeated Chong’s statement.
“Standing Order 36(6) does not (refer to statements that) confuse the House. Arau, don’t confuse the House. Please sit down,” she said.
The allocation for the ministry was passed to be part of the Supply Bill 2023 after MPs present gave a clear “Setuju!” (agree) when Lau put the matter to a voice vote. – The Vibes, March 16, 2023
