KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul allowed more questions to be asked by government backbenchers today in the top 10 positions for the oral question and answer session.
This came after a request by the Government Backbenchers Club chairman cum Paya Besar MP Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah to allow more questions from the government backbenchers since there are more backbenchers than Opposition members in the House.
"There are 93 government backbenchers and 75 Opposition members in this Dewan Rakyat. The Standing Orders do not specify any conditions regarding the order of questions for oral answers.
"From the Third Meeting of the 15th Parliament, under Standing Order 100, I will allow more questions for oral answers from government backbenchers in the top 10 position of the question order," he said.
Johari emphasised that the decision was meant to allow the voice of any party as he would review the ruling from time to time.
However, several Opposition members, including Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, requested he reconsider the ruling because no prior discussion was held with the Opposition.
“For now) I will maintain my decision, but I will reconsider whether to change it or not," said Johari.
Meanwhile, he reminded members of the House to undergo a health check-up by November 11 to assess their health early and facilitate preventive measures.
A sugar-free day will be implemented in Parliament every Wednesday to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Johari added that the Parliament had initiated a solar energy installation project, the Solar Photovoltaic System, as part of its commitment to supporting renewable energy policies.
"The Malaysian Parliament is one of the first in the world to maximise the use of solar energy, with a peak capacity of 1.5 megawatts, as part of its transition to a more sustainable energy source," he said.
Johari also told the House that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, has given his consent for 19 laws passed by Parliament.
The laws include the Customs Act (Amendment) 2024, the Excise Act (Amendment) 2024, the Free Zone Act (Amendment) 2024, the Sales Tax Act (Amendment) 2024, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Dissolution) Act 2024, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (Amendment) Act 2024.
— Bernama
