Azhar, Gobind trade opinions on revocation of EOs

 

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun should allow a debate on the revocation of the emergency ordinances since there is a difference of opinion.

KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun debated with an opposition MP on whether the revocation of the emergency ordinances (EOs) needs to be debated and voted on in Parliament.

The exchange between Azhar and Gobind Singh Deo (PH-Puchong) marked the start of the fourth day of the special Dewan Rakyat sitting and saw both parties cite provisions of the law.

The issue of the revocation of the EOs has been a point of contention, and Azhar today explained why it need not be debated, referring to Article 150(3) of the Federal Constitution.

The constitution, he said, states that any emergency proclamation must be “laid” before Parliament, not “tabled”, pointing out the wording of the constitution was specific on this.

Similarly, Schedule 13 of the constitution states that the Election Commission’s report on the delimitation of constituencies must be laid before the House, he said.

This, he said, was different from Standing Order 100 which states that a supply bill must be tabled every year.

Azhar said the constitution uses specific words. “It (the term ‘tabled’) is used deliberately,” he said.

Hearing this, Gobind, a lawyer himself, said he accepted the views of Azhar, who is a former lawyer.

“You have the experience and you referred to the constitution. You use the word ‘laid’, giving (your opinion) context,” he said.

But Gobind said it was clear that there was a difference of opinion on this matter.

“If there is a difference in opinion, the matter needs to be debated,” he said, adding that this was why he had submitted a motion to the Speaker for it to be debated.

He asked Azhar to allow a debate and voting on the EOs.

“We know the procedures (to revoke the EOs) were not followed,” he said, adding due process must be followed to ensure the doctrine of separation of powers is adhered to.

“We cannot ignore that,” Gobind added.

RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) urged Azhar to instruct law minister Takiyuddin Hassan to answer the questions on the revocation of the EOs.

Azhar had said Takiyuddin would provide an explanation on Monday.

Meanwhile, on the issue of extending the Dewan Rakyat sitting beyond the scheduled hours, Takiyuddin said this could not be done, citing the advice of health experts.

He was responding to Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson), who asked for more time for the MPs to speak. - FMT