Opposition walks out after Speaker rejects deferment of special Tabung Haji RCI sitting
Opposition lawmakers in Malaysia walked out of a special parliamentary sitting regarding the Tabung Haji RCI report, citing the Prime Minister's absence due to surgery. The government maintained that the session, which was a ministerial briefing, should proceed as scheduled despite the opposition's request for a deferment.
Why it matters
The walkout reflects ongoing political tensions and debates regarding parliamentary procedure and the transparency of government investigations in Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — Opposition lawmakers walked out almost immediately after today’s special parliamentary sitting on the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on Tabung Haji convened.
Earlier, Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the sitting should be deferred until the prime minister recovers and resumes his duties.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is currently undergoing physiotherapy treatment after undergoing an elective laparoscopic surgery procedure to treat a para-umbilical hernia.
“if we debate without the prime minister, it is just as good as doing a press conference,” Takiyuddin, who is also the Opposition’s chief whip, told the Dewan Rakyat today.
“The Speaker himself confirmed that the status of today’s sitting is only a ministerial briefing. The government has also confirmed that there will be no voting today,” he added.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in