THE March 9 parliamentary sitting has been adjourned to May 18 to allow Prime Minister Muhiyiddin Yassin to set up his cabinet, said the Prime Minister’s Office today.

 The PMO said in a statement that the delay was also to provide a reasonable time for the new cabinet members to become familiar with their respective ministries and departments.

“It also enables the appointed ministers to be ready for ministers’ question time and debates on proposed bills when parliament reconvenes.

“The postponement will also provide MPs with the opportunity to submit oral and non-verbal answers and new proposals to address issues affecting the country.”

Earlier this week, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said that next parliament sitting was deferred to May 18. It had been scheduled on March 9.

He said that he received a letter from the prime minister informing him of the new date on Tuesday.

Pakatan Harapan MPs are unhappy about the delay, saying that Muhyiddin should take the earliest opportunity to prove his popularity in the Dewan.

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh said Muhyiddin should call an urgent meeting of MPS to prove he has majority support.

He said the postponement of the sitting was expected, as a cabinet had yet to be announced and its members would require time to prepare for the session.

“However, the prime minister should call an urgent meeting of parliament now in the public interest to determine if he commands majority support in the House, as there are doubts as to whether he does.”

The PMO today said the postponement was to ensure smooth administration of parliament.

“The 14th parliament session was implemented in accordance with the rules and it was also ratified by the Speaker.

“Parliament should be respected by all, including all members of parliament.” – March 5, 2020.