KUALA LUMPUR: The Opposition has questioned the fairness of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat after both questions selected for Tuesday’s (Nov 11) session came from government MPs.
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN–Kota Baru) raised the matter under Standing Order 24A, saying it was unreasonable for all questions during Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT) to come solely from the ruling side.
“Today, there are two questions, both from government MPs. There should be three, but even if you take two, at least give one to the Opposition. The Opposition still exists in this House,” he said.
He claimed that questions submitted by the Opposition had not been selected for several weeks.
“This isn’t the first time. On Oct 30, none of our questions were taken up. On Nov 4, also none. And again today, Nov 11, not a single question was selected.
“For the record, Putrajaya‘s office submitted a question within the time limit, but it was not listed. I don’t think the Prime Minister is incapable of answering Opposition questions — he can even answer them at the night market in Sabah,” Takiyuddin quipped.
He also questioned whether the Speaker or the relevant ministry determined the questions for the session.
However, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul clarified that he alone was responsible for selecting the questions.
“The selection of questions is my responsibility. Up until the deadline, the Opposition only submitted one question, while government MPs submitted eight,” he said.
“Of course, I reviewed all of them. Some of the Opposition’s questions have already been answered — on Oct 29 and Oct 30. The relevant select committee has also called the International Trade and Industry Ministry to appear before it tomorrow (Nov 12), along with all the senior officers involved.
“That’s why it’s better for members to get a more detailed explanation through the select committee,” Johari said.
He added that fairness was based on the number of questions submitted.
“Is it fair for me to allow you when you only send one question? If one side sends eight questions, naturally I’ll select from among them. That makes sense,” he said.
When Takiyuddin insisted that the Opposition still had the right to have its question answered, Johari replied: “You have no right. The right is mine — I choose the questions,” he said, adding that equality did not automatically mean entitlement.
“Adil (fair), not ‘right’. Next time, please submit more — two or three questions. That’s not a condition, but don’t tie my hands,” the Speaker added.
Takiyuddin maintained that while there was no rule requiring Opposition questions to be selected, fairness should prevail.
“Be fair to us. Don’t put me in a position where I can’t make a fair decision,” he said.
