KUALA LUMPUR: An heated argument broke out in Parliament resulting in Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun (pix) ticking off an opposition MP Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang).

Hassan had brought up the issue of the 80-people sitting limit to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Azhar pointed out that the decision to limit the number of MPs in the Dewans was made through a consensus among party whips.

Hassan said the decision to allow only 80 MPs in Parliament was against Article 96 and 97 of the Federal Constitution and was depriving the MPs’ rights from debating fairly in Parliament.

He said the decision made between the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, National Security Council (NSC), Health Ministry, Parliament Administration and party chief whips should not supercede the Constitution.

Azhar said no where in Article 96 and 97 of the Federal Constitution states that the speaker has to hear all MPs in the Dewan Rakyat sitting at all times.

“The set quorum was 26 people, while all those selected by party whips could participate in the debate.

“At any given time, there are about 100 to 120 MPs present and not all of them are in the dewan from 10am to 5.30pm,“ he said.

Azhar pointed out that sometimes a 2.30pm , it was hard to meet the quorum.

He said they have wasted time arguing over this and asked for the debate the Budget 2021 Bill to proceed.

Last week, Azhar announced changes such as limiting the number of MPs in the Dewan and cutting short question time and debate and that Parliament would only sit until 2pm starting this Monday.

He made the decision after consulting other parties and being informed that a personal assistant to a senator had contracted the Covid-19 virus.

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