KUALA LUMPUR – R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH) has questioned the opposition bloc’s decision to hold bloc voting, accusing them of interfering with the parliamentary process.
The Jelutong MP’s comments come after the government introduced a motion for Parliament to continue its sitting until all the government’s business in the order paper has been completed.
This prompted the opposition to request a bloc vote, which they lost, as 83 voted for the motion. 52 had voted against it.
“Are we allowed to let the opposition call for bloc voting whenever they like just to disturb Parliament proceedings?
“This turns the Dewan Rakyat into a theatre.
“I understand it falls under the decision of the speaker, but there must be limits,” Rayer said.
He then pointed towards Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (Pagoh-PN), accusing him of orchestrating today’s bloc vote by signalling all opposition MPs to stand up.
Labelling Muhyiddin's actions as “derhaka”, Rayer said the Pagoh MP and opposition’s actions were done with the intention to cause the fall of the unity government.
“We know why he (Muhyiddin) wants the government to fall. Maybe it is to have the criminal charges he is facing in court withdrawn,” Rayer added.
The Jelutong MP’s calls were echoed by M. Kulasegaran (Ipoh Barat-PH), who deemed such actions by the opposition to be a waste of Parliament’s time.
Kulasegaran recommended constitutional amendments to allow MPs to vote remotely online.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor said he supported Kulasegaran’s recommendations but gave the Ipoh Barat MP the same advice as he did to Rayer, which is to introduce a motion in Parliament.
“Bring a motion to Parliament, because in my view, they are relevant to parliamentary standing orders.
“There may be malice (with the opposition’s decision to initiate a bloc vote), but it must be proven.
“So, the Honourable Jelutong, put it in motion,” Ramli said. – The Vibes, May 25, 2023
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