PN won’t back constitutional amendment for third deputy speaker

 

Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin says two Dewan Rakyat deputy speakers are sufficient. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional will not support the proposed constitutional amendment to create a third Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker’s post, coalition chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said.

He said the decision that two deputy speakers were sufficient had been made by the bloc’s Supreme Council.

“The existence of two deputy speakers of the Dewan Rakyat as stipulated in Article 57 (1) (b) of the Federal Constitution is sufficient for the purpose of ensuring the smooth running of the Dewan Rakyat sitting,” Muhyiddin said in a statement today.

“In addition, the provision of Article 57 (3) of the Federal Constitution which allows any member of the Dewan Rakyat to chair a (Dewan Rakyat sitting) in the absence of the Speaker and deputy speakers is also sufficient for the purpose of ensuring the smooth running of the House meeting.

“Therefore, there is no need for the Federal Constitution to be amended to add another deputy speaker at this time.”

Muhyiddin also justified PN’s decision by saying that the memorandum of understanding signed between the government and Pakatan Harapan was limited to matters contained in the document.

“The amendment to the Constitution to increase the number of deputy speakers of the Dewan Rakyat is not included in the memorandum of understanding.

“Therefore, it is not appropriate for any party to demand its implementation,” he said. - FMT