For checks and balances


Important arm of governance: Parliament, where our laws are made and checks and balances are in place. — Filepic/The Star

THE Dewan Rakyat speaker, it was reported, said that he had received a notification letter from the Prime Minister stating that the agenda of the Parliamentary sitting on May 18 has been amended to focus only on the royal address. The reason for limiting the agenda is said to be the Covid-19 pandemic.

Without doubt, Standing Order 11(2) allows the Prime Minister, as leader of the Dewan Rakyat, to determine the dates on which the Dewan Rakyat shall meet, and Standing Order 15(2) allows the government to determine its own order of business as it deems fit. So, does that mean that the government deciding that Parliament will sit for only one day with the agenda as so determined under the circumstances is Constitutional?

Save 30% for ads-free and full access now!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Columnists

Trust erodes amid discontent
What a really dumb thing to do
EPL title race is over the real battle now is for Europe
Newly-appointed NSI head Vellapandian knows the drill
The emerging new world order under Trump
Short-changed in Intimacy
Working on Asean’s future
A high five for Kedah farmers
Bullying beyond the schoolyard
Can a Spirit of 2025 emerge in Sabah?

Others Also Read