Speaker explains why no-confidence motion sits at end of order paper

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 14 Oct 2020 9:55PM · 5 Comments

Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun says the placement of a no-confidence motion at the end of Parliament’s order paper is not unique to Malaysia. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, October 14, 2020.

DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun has explained why the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is placed at the end of the order paper.

Azhar said the positioning of the motion is not unique to Malaysia.

“I wish to stress that the no-confidence motion in the Dewan Rakyat’s order paper is not unique to the system we practise.

“In fact, Australia practises a nearly similar system, where such a motion’s debate will not be expedited without a minister taking it up,” he said in a statement tonight in response to Tengku Razaleigh, who had queried him about the placement of a motion of no-confidence against the prime minister in the Parliament order paper.

However, Azhar said any motions submitted will be handled according to existing laws.

Tengku Razaleigh’s query on the motion and Azhar’s reply has gone viral. 

Azhar, in reply to the Gua Musang MP, had earlier said government business takes precedence over private members’ bills in Parliament.

The Dewan Rakyat speaker said Rule 15 of Parliament’s Standing Orders states that government business is prioritised above all other matters. 

“As such, all the government bills and motions were put ahead in the previous Parliament sittings that ran from July 13-August 27,” Azhar said in a letter dated September 29.

Tengku Razaleigh, in his letter to the speaker, had requested that Azhar prioritise a no-confidence motion against Muhyiddin in Parliament.

In a letter dated September 25, the veteran politician had said that Parliament should allow the motion so that Muhyiddin’s support as prime minister is legitimised by MPs in accordance with the federal constitution. 

It is normal practice in Malaysia for the government of the day to schedule Parliament sittings in such a way that private members’ motions rarely make it to the floor. The only time an opposition motion was presented was when Abdul Hadi Awang (Marang-PAS) tabled the Amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (RUU 355) bill in 2017. 

Muhyiddin’s position as prime minister has come under pressure following Umno’s unhappiness with the PN government. 

Tengku Razaleigh, who is also Umno adviser, had met the king yesterday after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim told reporters that he had presented documents to the king to show he had more support than Muhyiddin among MPs. – October 14, 2020.

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Comments

  • You nither have wisdom nor discernment and are devoid of any courage. You are just another lackey now. Shame on you.

    Posted 3 years ago by Thomas Samuel · Reply

  • There is no government business that should be transacted prior to the government being able to prove that it is legitimate and commands the support of the majority of the members of the House, failing which any business transacted shall by definition be null and void.
    Clearly the Speaker needs a course in basic logic, and too, the purchase of a spine.

    Posted 3 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply

  • You r so damn right Thomas Samuel. He is just another lackey n a complete ass. Just like his AG brother, another ass.

    Posted 3 years ago by Richard Foo · Reply

  • That argument does not hold water. Basically it means the government is the only party with the right to move a no confidence vote in themselves.

    Posted 3 years ago by Malaysia New hope · Reply

  • How is parliament democracy not important?

    Posted 3 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply