In turn: Johari speaking to reporters at the Parliament building. — Bernama
THE Dewan Rakyat Speaker has defended his decision to prioritise questions from government MPs during oral question and answer sessions, saying the reason is because of the larger number of backbencher lawmakers.
Tan Sri Johari Abdul explained the decision after receiving an appeal by the Backbenchers Club.
“The reason is that the number of backbenchers exceeded that of Opposition MPs – with the former having 93 MPs while the Opposition has 75.
“Beginning this sitting, I will allow backbenchers to pose more questions during the oral question and answer sessions.
“This move is not intended to halt anyone’s voice. I am not rigid and will observe its progress from time to time,” he said at the start of Dewan Rakyat sitting yesterday.
Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) opposed the move, saying this went against previous practices.
“Even when Barisan Nasional had two-thirds majority, it was always one question from the government and one from the Opposition,” he said.
Takiyuddin said any appeal, be it by backbenchers or Opposition, should be discussed in the Parliamentary Special Select Committee.
“Backbenchers are already part of the government and they don’t have to ask questions.
“The matter should have been discussed with us first,” he said.
Backbenchers club chairman Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) argued that their numbers exceeded Opposition MPs.
“Kota Bharu should understand this from a broad perspective. Let’s look at the composition.
“It is 93 against 75. Fairness is not 50-50 but instead depends on the composition. We are also elected representatives and must play our role,” he said.
Responding to Takiyuddin, Johari said he had personally met with then Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin on a similar matter during his time as the Opposition chief whip.
“At that time, we had 82 Opposition MPs.
“It was always Barisan first with the Opposition questions only coming later.
“For now, I will maintain this decision until I see there is a need to change things,” he added.
