KUALA LUMPUR: Ministers and deputy ministers do walk in and out of the Dewan Rakyat, Alice Lau said in response to an Opposition MP’s questions on the absence of ministers and their deputies during proceedings.
“Ministers and deputy ministers walk in and out. Same goes to MPs from both sides,” the Deputy Dewan Rakyat told The Star on Tuesday (Oct 17).
She said this when asked to comment on Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah’s (PN-Indera Mahkota) question on the absence of ministers and deputy ministers earlier when proceedings were in session.
“I am not asking about quorum. I just want to get confirmation that there is a single minister or deputy minister in the Dewan (at this moment),” he said.
Datuk Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) then posted a photo of empty seats in the government bloc at about 12.46pm on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Lau, who was presiding over the session in question, meanwhile, confirmed that there were no ministers in the chambers.
“Yes, at that moment, (there were) no ministers or deputy ministers in the Dewan Rakyat,” she said.
This took place when debates on the Budget 2024 were ongoing.
The August House then adjourned for lunch break.
