Kit Siang up in arms as MP debate time in July slashed

Veteran opposition MP Lim Kit Siang has criticised the government for allocating only four days for MPs to debate the motion of thanks for the royal address in July.

In a statement today, Lim (above) said eight days were typically allocated for such debates. He said the debate is even more necessary now for MPs to articulate views and grievances of their constituents.

He said that instead of slashing the number of days for MPs to debate, the four days allocated for replies by ministers to this debate should be slashed instead.

"This is most ridiculous and unacceptable," said Lim.

The Dewan Rakyat will convene for one day on May 18 where the royal address will be delivered, but not debated, followed by the tabling of Putrajaya's supplementary supply bill.

According to the Parliament's website, the Dewan Rakyat is scheduled to convene again between July 13 and Aug 27 for 25 days.

Apart from the royal address, the July-August sitting will also see the tabling of the 12th Malaysia Plan.

The third and final sitting for the year is scheduled for Sept 28 until Nov 26 for 36 days. Budget 2021 will be tabled on Oct 5.

Meanwhile, Lim reiterated calls for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to declare Parliament as an "essential service" and be allowed to resume normal operations when it convenes on May 18.

He said doing so was necessary in order for the government to adopt an "all-of-government" and "whole-of-society" approach towards handling the Covid-19 outbreak and the economic slowdown.

"This measure was necessary to rally support, solidarity and unity for the actions by the government in the invisible war against the coronavirus," he said. - Mkini