PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has raised concerns about the deputy minister of a different portfolio answering a question posed to the Health Ministry in Parliament.
“Today’s Q&A session at the Dewan Rakyat was unusual, as the 8th question asked by Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Wira Mas Ermieyati was not answered by Health Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa or her deputy, Lukanisman Awang Sauni,” said Dr. Wee in a Facebook post on Thursday (Oct 26).
The original question was about the sufficiency of local nurses, and it was answered by the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives deputy minister Saraswathy Kandasami, who represented the Health Ministry.
“According to Saraswathy, the Health Minister couldn’t attend the sitting due to important matters, while her deputy was attending a program in Johor Bahru and couldn’t make it back to answer the question,” Dr. Wee explained.
Dr. Wee stated that such a situation should not have occurred, as based on his twenty years of experience, a minister or deputy minister should be present in the Dewan Rakyat regardless of any justification.
“Furthermore, when questioned by Mas Ermieyati, who is also the Public Accounts Committee chairman, Saraswathy claimed ‘accusation’,” added Dr. Wee.
He expressed confusion over this response, deeming it inappropriate for the government to answer a question in such a manner.
Dr. Wee pointed out that such an answer would only provide ammunition for the Opposition to attack the government, as the ministries involved in answering oral questions had been notified in advance.
“If the minister or deputy minister cannot attend the Dewan Rakyat sitting, they must inform the secretary so that the questions to be answered will not be selected,” Dr. Wee emphasized.
He urged the government to accept criticism from MPs with an open heart and put an end to the practice of assigning a deputy minister from another portfolio to answer questions from MPs.
