KUALA LUMPUR: A heated exchange broke out in the Dewan Rakyat today as Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN–Arau) repeatedly challenged the Speaker and pressed for further debate on the Government Procurement Bill 2025.
Shahidan sought clarification on Section 90 of the Bill, claiming it granted the Finance Minister “absolute power” to amend the schedule. Despite repeated explanations, he continued to interject.
“My question is important. This concerns the absolute authority granted to the minister — answer that!” he demanded of Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul reminded him that the issue had already been addressed and urged him to respect parliamentary procedure.
“All questions are important, but the minister has responded. We still have other business to complete. Please, Arau, sit down. You were once a minister; you know the procedure. Please sit down now,” Johari said firmly.
Amir Hamzah, in his winding-up speech, stressed that the Bill was the product of extensive consultations since 2018 and aimed at ensuring transparency in government procurement.
“This Bill provides a clear framework to strengthen governance, prevent leakages, and reinforce public confidence in the management of public funds,” he said, acknowledging the contributions and views shared by MPs during the debate.
The tense exchanges persisted until Johari moved to close the debate, allowing the minister to conclude his speech despite further protests from the Arau MP.
The sitting was later interrupted by Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN–Masjid Tanah), who requested a bloc vote following Amir Hamzah’s winding-up speech on behalf of the government. The Speaker then suspended proceedings for 10 minutes to allow MPs from both blocs to enter the chamber and cast their votes.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
