KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru-PN) today warned the government against surprising opposition MPs with last-minute bills.
Quoting Sections 15(1) and 48 of the Standing Orders, the PAS man reminded Putrajaya that the Dewan Rakyat must prioritise all government matters in Parliament.
“With this understanding, the most important matter for the government is bills.
“So far, looking at today’s schedule there are only two bills from the natural resources, environment, and climate change minister and they only contain one amendment which gives powers to the minister to suspend powers.
“My question as an opposition member is, we have seven days left in the Dewan Rakyat, does the government not have any bills left?
“Or is the government planning a surprise like with the amendments on the Insolvency Act where the first reading was on May 22 and it was debated and passed the following day?” asked Takiyuddin.
The PAS lawmaker suggested that the government’s strategy for introducing bills gave little time for MPs to prepare for debates, pointing out that previous administrations would require the minister to explain bills in advance to all parliamentarians.
Takiyuddin then took a swipe at the government aisle, stating that perhaps ministries were busy watching the film Anwar: The Untold Story, which he called “The Unsold Story.”
Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor proceeded to remind the opposition that the prime minister takes the lead in parliamentary sittings.
“The prime minister takes the lead in parliamentary sittings,” said Ramli.
“Anything decided on to be debated, the schedule – all are determined by the person who leads parliamentary sittings.
“The final say is with the prime minister.” – The Vibes, May 25, 2023
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