[UPDATED] Perikatan MPs walk out of Dewan after EPF withdrawal debate rejected

KUALA LUMPUR – Today’s Dewan Rakyat sitting kicked off with opposition members staging a walk-out in protest of the speaker’s decision to reject a motion to debate its proposal to allow another round of targeted Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawals.

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (Larut-PN) led the walk-out involving dozens of Perikatan Nasional (PN) MPs present in the House today.

However, both Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang were absent.

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Machang-PN), who submitted the motion under Standing Order 18(1) of the Dewan Rakyat on Friday, told the House today that it had been rejected by Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul.

“The excuse given is because the finance minister and deputy minister have explained about the targeted EPF withdrawal. However, I have received so many complaints from the rakyat that the explanation given is unsatisfactory.

“Please allow us to debate the matter today, particularly since it is a matter of public interest as many need to make withdrawals,” he said.

In response, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, who was presiding over the House this morning, said the speaker’s decision is final and advised the opposition to file an appeal if they are unhappy with the decision.

Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-PN) pointed out filing an appeal would make little sense as the current sitting is due to end tomorrow.

Hamzah, who is PN secretary-general, then stressed that the issue of EPF withdrawals is a pressing one as many members of the public are hopeful that it could be debated in the House today.

Lau, however, stood her ground and said the decision made by the speaker is final, as per Standing Order 43.

After further attempts by opposition members to pressure Lau to accede to their demands for a debate were rejected, Hamzah said: “If this is the case, we will leave the House to show our protest.”

Later in a press conference, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru-PN) expressed bemusement at the speaker’s decision to reject the debate as Wan Fayhsal’s motion fulfilled all three criteria under Standing Order 18(1), namely that the matter in question is definite, urgent, and of public importance.

The PAS secretary-general also accused Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of misleading the House when the latter said that EPF members can use their savings as collateral for bank loans.

“This is in violation of Section 51 of the EPF Act. Even legal experts have said that if the prime minister wants to implement this, the act must first be amended.”

Section 51 said EPF contributions and deposits shall not be assignable, transferable, liable to be attached, sequestered, levied upon, for, or in respect of, any debt or claim whatsoever.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, had maintained in a statement on March 21 that the proposal to allow EPF members to use savings as support for bank loans does not breach the EPF Act.

Asked to comment on their next course of action, Takiyuddin said the opposition will inform the public that the government’s policy is against the law and that for this purpose, they may conduct a nationwide roadshow.

Many of the PN MPs re-entered the House after the press conference. – The Vibes, April 3, 2023