THERE will be a prime minister’s question and answer (PMQ) session in the Dewan Rakyat at the first meeting of the second session of the 15th parliament, starting on February 13, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul said.

Johari added that the PMQ session will be carried out as a pilot test for an hour every Tuesday.

“We suggest that the session be held every Tuesday for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to answer questions that are addressed to him, while on Thursday there will be minister’s question time (MQT).

“This is one of the reforms that will be implemented, but it cannot be made a regular session yet… we will start it as a pilot first so that we can identify problems that may arise,” he said.

Johari said the introduction of the PMQ session will also require amendments to the Standing Order of the Dewan Rakyat before it can be made a regular session.

In an effort to ensure motions brought by MPs can be discussed, Johari said the number of motions permitted in the special chamber will be doubled to four per session.

Johari said he also intends to give the opposition MPs and government backbenchers an opportunity to lead the session.

“This means that either the two deputy speakers, MPs or I can steer the session,” he said, adding that he also proposed to make it compulsory for all MPs to take medical check-ups every six months to ensure they are in good health and able to carry out their duties effectively.

Meanwhile, he said the press will be allowed into the parliament lobby to get reactions from ministers or MPs.

Recently, this practice has been forbidden due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting will be for 29 days until March 30 with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah opening the session on February 13, followed by the debate on the royal address, which will be for five days.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, is scheduled to table the 2023 Budget on February 24. – Bernama, February 8, 2023.