Friday November 30, 2012

Quorum almost not met

THE Dewan Rakyat was thrown into temporary limbo and narrowly risked being adjourned prematurely due to insufficient quorum.

Many MPs from both sides were either away attending the Umno general assembly or the Selangor state legislative assembly sitting.

This was highlighted by Sim Tong Him (DAP-Kota Melaka) who pointed out to Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar that there were not enough MPs in the House.

M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat), also pointed out that Standing Order 13 (1) stated the quorum of the House must consist of 26 MPs excluding the Chair.

The bell was rung for two minutes after Sim raised the standing order to call for quorum.

MPs were seen streaming into the House and Junaidi then announced that the Dewan met the quorum “by the skin of its teeth” with exactly 26 MPs in attendance.

“I am disappointed. Where is our responsibility towards the Dewan? I congratulate Betong (Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas) for being here.

“Where are the other non-Umno ministers and deputy ministers?” he questioned.

He then advised all MPs to come to Parliament by 9.45am.

“Let this be a lesson for all of us. The responsibility of meeting the quorum in the House lies with all of us,” Junaidi said.

However, as several MPs were seen leaving the House after the quorum was met, Junaidi asked them not to exit the Dewan.

“Sit inside (the Dewan) with me. Quorum can be called anytime. This is the last day of sitting. I have to do my work,” he said. Debates resumed shortly afterwards.

News

Friday November 30, 2012

Quorum almost not met