OPPOSITION leader Anwar Ibrahim (Port Dickson-PH) requested an extension to the current special parliamentary sitting this morning, because he said there was not enough time in the five-day schedule for so many MPs who wanted to be heard.

In addressing the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar told Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun that important matters such as education and Covid-19 needed to be discussed thoroughly. 

However, Azhar responded that Anwar had to take the issue to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Parliament) Takiyuddin Hassan.

“Many of my colleagues were not able to raise their points as we have limited time frame. I understand the Health Ministry has issued an order on time.

“However, may I request more days as we need to talk about education and also Covid-19,” said Anwar.

However, Azhar said it was not within his powers to do so.

“It is not my power to do so. I can only extend the sitting from 5.30pm to 5.45pm, an extension of 15 minutes. That is all I can do. Every day I use the extra 15 minutes for lawmakers to have their say.

“Perhaps this matter can be brought to the minister’s attention.”

In response, Anwar said he hoped that the speaker would request an explanation from the minister.

“If we cannot add more days, maybe we can extend the hours. I hope the speaker can ask the minister to respond,” Anwar added.

Yesterday, Azhar paid no heed to calls by the opposition for the session to be extended beyond 5.30pm.

Today’s special briefing will see Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz presenting his statement on the government’s eight financial stimulus packages introduced during the pandemic. – July 29, 2021.