Gov't turns down request to extend Parliament sittings

The opposition's request to extend Parliament's sitting days has been rejected by the government, citing that lawmakers also have their own jobs to attend to.

Senior minister Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said they cnnot just rely on their allowances as MPs to support their families.

"Although we are MPs, we have our own professions and businesses. Some are lawyers and doctors.

"We do not merely rely on lawmakers' allowance to support our lives and families," he added.

Nazri said some of them have to attend their clinics and law firms and it would not be nice if they continue to be absent.

"MPs must be given time to do other work. We just have to balance (our time)," said the tourism and culture minister.

Nazri was responding to Sim Tze Tzin (PKR-Bayan Baru), who asked whether the government can extend the sitting days but adjourn the sitting by 5.30pm.

He made the proposal during the debate of Parliament's reform agenda, but Nazri rejected it outrightly when winding up the debate.

Sittings reduced in 2016

The Parliament sittings has been reduced to over 50 days in 2016, claimed Sim.

"We have a big country and a large population. We have many issues and there is not enough (time) for us to bring up the issues.

"If they enter the Parliament, then they should keep their (profession and business) a low priority as we are entrusted (to bring the issues to the House)," he said.

Rebutting this, Nazri said: "I beg to differ... I don't think it would be efficient if we attend the sitting for 200 days annually."

"Efficiency is how we manage our time, we don't want to sit (on daily basis) like in Australia.

"This is the view of the government, we have to allow that, as MPs have to visit their own constituencies too."

Earlier, the House had rejected an emergency motion brought by Sim, who requested to discuss the need to extend the sitting days.

The motion was rejected by speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia as it does not involve public interest, only the interest of lawmakers.

The proposal came after Hanipa Maidin (Amanah-Sepang) fell ill after a heated debate in the House on Tuesday. He is now under intensive care after successfully undergoing surgery. -Mkini