KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat proceedings on Monday (Oct 12) was halted due to a lack of quorum.
This took place after Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) said there were only 17 MPs in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat during debates on the Supply Bill 2025.
Ahmad Marzuk stood up and raised Standing Order 13(1) during the Dewan Rakyat session that was chaired temporarily by Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah on invitation.
“When you as the Backbenchers Club chairman was chairing the session, it was supposed to be attended by many backbenchers.
“This is an important debate and it did not have enough quorum,” said Ahmad Marzuk.
RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) then stood up and said many MPs could be at the surau in Parliament, as it was time for Maghrib prayers.
“I just went to the surau and I did not see anyone there, unless you were there at the surau,” said Ahmad Marzuk in jest.
Rayer then told Ahmad Marzuk to have some respect for those who are praying.
“Let the Speaker make the ruling, not you,” said Rayer.
Shahar then ordered a headcount in Parliament, and then ordered the bell to be rung for two minutes to call for more MPs in the House.
After two minutes, Shahar said that there were only 19 MPs in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat.
“We have another debater and with this, the meeting has been adjourned,” said Shahar.
Howard Lee (PH-Ipoh Timur) was slotted as the final debater in the Monday (Oct 21) meeting and he would be giving his speech on Oct 22 instead.
Under Standing Order 13, there must be at least 26 MPs in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat for proceedings to be held.
There have been numerous occasions where proceedings have come to a halt during the 15th Parliament due to a lack of quorum.
