KUALA LUMPUR: The second meeting of the Dewan Rakyat has been brought forward by about three weeks, says Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul.
"It will be from May 22 till June 15, for a total of 11 days," he told MPs in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 22).
He said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has agreed in his capacity as leader of the House to change the dates of the coming second meeting of the 15th Parliament.
The next meeting was initially fixed for June 12 to 27, for a total of 10 days.
"The change was due to my request to the Prime Minister as most MPs will be performing the Haj in Mecca. They need to make preparations as Hari Raya Haji is expected to fall on June 29 this year," Johari said.
He added that the change in meeting dates was done in accordance with Rule 11(2) of the Standing Orders.
The rule states that the leader or deputy of the House can decide, at least at least 28 days before the commencement of each session, the dates on which it shall meet.
Johari said MPs will also be given written notice of the date change.
On Feb 28, Anwar, in his capacity as leader of the House, requested that the current Dewan Rakyat meeting be extended by two days.
This was to enable a few legislative Bills and matters of government business to be tabled and decided in the Dewan Rakyat after the Budget is passed at the end of March.
The current meeting began on Feb 13 and was to have ended on March 30 but was extended until April 4.
