IN the United Kingdom, the call for division by the backbenchers can take place almost any time the House is sitting. Division usually happens at the regular “moment of interruption “of the main business of the House of Commons.

The call for a bloc vote takes place when one of the ministers puts forth a motion for any reason at that moment, and the opposition can call for a bloc vote to take place. This is primarily to decide on whether the sitting should continue or come to a halt.

Traditionally, during a division vote, members divide physically into two separate areas. These are called the “ayes” or “no lobbies”. However, the UK parliament in the year 2020 had some chances on how the division lobbies is taken down. This includes the use of electronic voting.  

Hence, in Malaysia, under the Dewan Rakyat standing order 46, which reads as follows:

(1) No member may speak to any question after the same has been fully put from the Chair.

(2) A question is fully put, when the Chair has collected the voice both of the and of the.

(3) When the question has been put by the Chair at the conclusion of the debate the votes shall be taken by voices ayes and noes and (provided that no member then claims a division) the result shall be declared by the Chair.

(4) If the opinion of the Chair as to the decision of a question is challenged by any member calling for a division, the Chair shall call upon members desiring a division to rise in their places. If fewer than 15 members rise, the Chair shall either declare the result forthwith or order a division.

If 15 or more members so rise, the chair shall order a division, and shall, after such warning as he may consider necessary, appoint Tellers.

Hence, as per parliamentary decorum, if 15 MPs’ request for a division to raise in their places, then the chair presiding must order such division to take place.   

Opposition chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan reportedly called for a bloc vote after Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister ’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties) Wilson Ugak Kumbong called for a motion to complete the government’s business stated in the Order Paper yesterday.

As a democratic country, this call for a bloc vote reflects our check and balance between the government and the opposition. The call for a bloc vote is only raised by the opposition and not the government.

Hence, it is evidently proven we have a strong and functioning democracy! – May 29, 2023.

* Matilda George reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.