KUALA LUMPUR: There has been a discussion on the absence of ministers and deputy ministers during proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat. Alice Lau, the Deputy Dewan Rakyat, responded to questions from an Opposition MP by acknowledging that ministers and deputy ministers do indeed walk in and out of the Dewan Rakyat. She further stated that this also applies to Members of Parliament from both sides. The Star obtained this information from Lau on Tuesday (Oct 17).
These comments were made in response to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah’s (PN-Indera Mahkota) question regarding the absence of ministers and deputy ministers earlier during the proceedings. His intention was not to question the quorum, but rather to seek confirmation that a single minister or deputy minister was present in the Dewan at that moment.
A photo of empty seats in the government bloc was shared by Datuk Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) on X (formerly known as Twitter) at approximately 12.46pm.
Lau, who was presiding over the session, verified that there were indeed no ministers present in the chambers during that time. She confirmed, “Yes, at that moment, there were no ministers or deputy ministers in the Dewan Rakyat.”
These events unfolded during the ongoing debates on the Budget 2024. Subsequently, the August House adjourned for a lunch break.
