Speaker explains 10-minute recess before Dewan vote

There were protests at the Dewan Rakyat today when the Speaker called a recess before a vote on a supply bill. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azahar Harun has explained why he called a 10-minute recess before taking a vote on a Supply Bill.

He said today the break was to allow MPs to take part in the voting. The break was necessary as MPs were in a new building which is a distance from the lower house.

“A 10-minute break would be good for all MPs to run to the Dewan for voting,” he told FMT.

The need for precautions against Covid-19 infections was another reason. “There can only be five people in a lift carriage at any one time,” he said, referring to rules requiring social distancing and the need for temperature checks.

Azahar said he had announced the procedure for a 10-minute break on Aug 11, and there had been no objection. “But I suppose many were not in the Dewan at that time.”

Earlier today, several opposition MPs objected when Azhar called the recess. RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) said Azhar “cannot hijack the Parliament”, while others demanded to know the reason for the suspension.

The break had come before the vote on the Supply (Reallocation of Appropriated Expenditure) Bill 2020, in which the government sought an allocation of RM7.18 billion.

The Bill was passed this afternoon by a five-vote margin. - FMT