Anwar's motion rejected because it was submitted too early, says Speaker

PETALING JAYA: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun (pic) has rejected Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's motion to debate the Emergency ordinances, the Covid-19 pandemic and its related spending, the vaccination effort and the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

Azhar said the motion was rejected because it was submitted too early.

He said that the matter was conveyed to Anwar via a letter, where he explained that the notice for the special sitting was issued on July 15 and the Port Dickson MP's motion was submitted on July 12.

"Therefore, your motion is not in the order paper because it was submitted before the notice," said Azhar in a letter dated July 23.

Azhar also said that Standing Orders 11(3) clearly stated that the order of business for special Parliament sitting was the prerogative of the Prime Minister.

"In this matter, your motion isn't included in the special sitting," he added.

Azhar also said that Anwar had raised several different issues in a motion, which is against Standing Orders 33(1) and 46(3).

"I'm also of the opinion that your motion has contravened Article 150 (7) of the Federal Constitution," he added.

Article 150(7) of the Constitution states that the Emergency Ordinances will still be in direct effect for six months after it expires on Aug 1.

According to the latest Order Paper released by Parliament, MPs will be allowed to ask questions and air their views during the special session that will consist of the briefing sessions of five ministries in battling Covid-19.

Three Emergency Proclamations and nine Emergency Ordinances will be tabled during the special five-day sitting that starts on July 26.