Motion on imported rice rejected, warnings issued to Arau, Hulu Langat MPs

KUALA LUMPUR: A motion filed by Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim to debate the rising price of imported rice and goods has been rejected, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor, in reading out a letter by Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, said the motion was rejected as it was not listed under proceedings in the current six-day special sitting.

“According to the House’s standing orders I will not allow this to be brought up and reject it,” Ramli said when reading out the letter in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Sept 18).

“Is this clear? I have been made to understand that the responsible ministries have received 55 queries from MPs on this matter.

“MPs can then ask the respective ministers further questions when they wind up,” Ramli added.

This came after Shahidan questioned whether his motion on the rising price of rice and goods was accepted by the Speaker.

“I filed the motion on Friday (Sept 15) but until today there is no response. Previously, whenever I sent a notice, there would be an acknowledgement of acceptance. This is something important and should be debated,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.

Shahidan later said such an issue should not need further consideration as the price of goods is constantly increasing.

“Stop allocations for development and focus on alleviating the price of rice and goods,” he said.

Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan later interjected, with Ramli issuing a first warning to Mohd Sany for not standing when speaking in the hall.

"I have seen this happen many times and will issue a first warning. Abide by the House’s rules,” he said.

Ramli also issued a warning to Shahidan.

“I am stating it now. There are two warnings left. My principles are that MPs given warnings will be carried over into subsequent sittings.

“After the third warning, I will consider further action according to the Standing Orders,” Ramli said.

Parliament is currently having a six-day special sitting, from September 11 to September 19, to debate the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review.