Tempers flared in the Dewan Rakyat as soon as the bell stopped ringing to signal the start of today’s sitting, as Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) accused the government of sidelining the opposition’s questions for the Prime Minister’s Question Time.
Takiyuddin said the opposition submitted its questions on Oct 30, Nov 4 and today, seeking a response from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“The opposition still exists,” the PAS secretary-general added.
However, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul said the selection of questions for the prime minister was his responsibility and that both the government and opposition blocs were treated fairly.
He said the opposition had only submitted one question, which had already been answered, while the government submitted eight.
Johari said the issue raised by the opposition had been referred to a select committee, with the relevant minister and ministry secretary-general to provide clarification on the matter.
“It is better to go to the select committee because the secretary-general and others will be there,” he said.
The speaker added that he would have selected one question each from both blocs if he had also received eight questions from the opposition.
However, Takiyuddin maintained that the number of questions submitted should not determine whether the opposition can raise issues in the House.
“One question or eight questions, we have the right,” he said.
Johari snapped back, saying: “You have no right, you have no right… I will decide which questions are selected.”
He then urged the opposition to submit more questions in the future.
“Next time, please send two or three questions. Don’t tie my hands,” he said.
“Be fair to me. If you want details, go to the select committee. The prime minister has given the answers.”
Anwar later said that he would not avoid any questions posed by the opposition.
