KUALA LUMPUR – The highly anticipated opening of the Second Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament today will feature a broad range of issues up for debate.
One of the most eagerly awaited topics is Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul’s decision on the vacancy notice for six MP seats following the revocation of their party memberships.
The focus is now on him to decide whether the seats will be vacated, which will pave the way for parliamentary by-elections.
His decision and its outcome are anticipated to be a focal point of discussion in the upcoming Dewan Rakyat session.
The six MPs are: Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abu Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), and Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan).
Bersatu’s chief whip, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, had earlier issued notice of the vacant seats of the six Bersatu MPs and submitted it to the speaker.
Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, commenting on the matter, said Johari will decide the fate of the six MPs.
Another issue likely to stir up controversy is BlackRock Inc’s purported involvement in the restructuring of Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB), through its subsidiary Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).
The opposition has been critical of the government’s decision to allow the US-based investment firm with alleged links to Israel to own shares in MAHB.
The opposition claims that BlackRock’s involvement in MAHB is a betrayal of the country’s support for the Palestinian cause.
Anwar, however, urged the opposition not to politicise the issue, stating that everyone has the right to disagree with the government but should not undermine its efforts to raise issues concerning Gaza.
He said that the government has taken a firm stance to cancel collaborations with all companies operating in Israel but cannot do so with Israeli-linked companies operating in other countries to avoid economic impacts.
The opposition bloc has also called for Johari to declare the Nenggiri state seat vacant in line with Kelantan Speaker Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah’s decision to vacate the seat held by a state lawmaker who was also stripped of Bersatu membership.
Bersatu Supreme Council member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan said Johari must ensure there is some uniformity in the implementation of the rules of the State Assembly and the Dewan Rakyat after seeing what happened in Kelantan.
“If this precedent is not honoured or adopted from a standpoint of uniformity, then there could be a serious constitutional crisis as a result of failure to abide by set precedents,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to the order paper on the Parliament’s official website, among the other issues that will be raised tomorrow are the price increases for basic necessities.
This will be raised by Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot, while Marang MP and PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang will address the issue of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Other matters to be discussed include preparations for Visit Malaysia Year, the issue of nurseries not being registered with the Department of Social Welfare, and accidents involving heavy vehicles.
Furthermore, topics related to LCS ships and enforcement against the sale of subsidised diesel and RON95 to foreigners will also be raised. – June 24, 2024