Opposition MPs call for bloc vote to stall Mavcom dissolution Bill

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition MPs have called for a block vote in a bid to stall the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Dissolution) Bill by the Transport Ministry.

Perikatan Nasional whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan called for the bloc vote just as Transport Minister Anthony Loke concluded his replies on the Bill during the second reading based on Standing Order 46(6).

Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Nor then ordered the Parliament sergeant-at-arms to determine if the Opposition had met the quorum to call for the bloc vote.

ALSO READ: Bills tabled to merge Mavcom and CAAM

Ramli then agreed for the bloc vote to be called after more than 15 Opposition MPs stood up requesting for it.

He then ordered the bell to be rung for two minutes.

However, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul took over the chair and said that Dewan Rakyat proceedings would be halted for 10 minutes to allow other MPs to return to the House.

He noted that several MPs were not in the House as they were attending other events in the Parliament such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting.

Earlier, there were heated debates on the Bill where the Opposition wanted the Bill to be referred to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) before it is retabled.