BY NORHAYATI UMOR
SHAH ALAM, NOV 9: Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail questioned the principle of democracy and Westminster system when her Malaysia Official 1 (MO1) question was placed at 30th position.
She said that it would be normal practice on the first day of the new term meeting that her question be at 2nd position.
“After realising this, I instructed the representative office to negotiate directly with the Secretary of the House of Representatives, and it was placed as the fourth question.
“So I question: what is the Opposition Leader’s privilege other than receiving an allowance and office facilities, being the main person to debate every budget discussion and every royal decree?” she asked recently.
Wan Azizah said the position was set out in Standing Order 4A but there is no listed rights and privileges.
“It’s not a question just for me, but is related to the principles of democracy and Westminster. I raised this issue to avoid future disturbances, regardless of who may hold the Opposition Leader’s position in future.
Wan Azizah said in a question-and-answer session on actions taken by the government to identify MO1, action to be taken against the individual following his/her exposure and why there is no action taken.
At the same time, Wan Azizah demanded guarantee of parliamentary immunity as an institution of branching power, established in a democracy with parliament.
She said that it was because there had been recent efforts by certain parties to threaten the rights and privileges of parliamentarians with abuse of the law, such as the Official Secrets Act 1972 and Sedition Act 1978.
“This parliament reformation intends to respect the law and honour of the institution of parliament.
“So where is the rule of law and immunity guarantee, if Members of Parliament are constantly threatened by various lawsuits and imposed with various sanctions while they represent the rakyat,” she said.
This issue was raised as, since Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was appointed Prime Minster, he has suspended the highest number of MPs for six months and left the hall.
Why is the MO1 question in 30th position?
