THE morning state assembly meeting started off with a stern advice from Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, who told state assemblymen from both sides of the political divide to obey the time allocated for the debate session and to be always be prepared.
“This advice needs to be taken very seriously. The action of Deputy Speaker Datuk Maktar Shapee to end the debate session last Friday was right.
“He had thrice asked the backbenchers if they wanted to participate in the debate but no one stood up. And now you appeal to me to reconvene the debate session because there were assemblymen who did not participate in the debate session,” said Law.
He was responding to an appeal by Wong Hon Wai (DAP-Air Itam), Opposition leader Datuk Jahara Hamid (BN-Telok Ayer Tawar) and R.S.N. Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) to call again for the debate session.
Law said the Standing Order did not make it compulsory for all assemblymen to take part in the debate session.
“In this matter, you, who are responsible to your people, have lost your chance to debate.
“However, considering that the debate involved the welfare of the people, I allow the debate session to reconvene,” he said.
Law added that the matter must be a lesson learnt for all.
“Personally, my decision to reconvene the debate session will not be good for me. I will be subjected to criticism for recalling the debate session, but I will accept those criticisms.
“I hope that you will not trouble the State Assembly and the Speaker anymore on such matters,” he told the assemblymen.
Rayer stood up, apologised and thanked Law. His action was followed by Jahara, who also thanked Law for allowing the remaining assemblymen to debate.
Only nine out of 27 backbenchers in Penang took part in the debate session up to last Friday.
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