Ministers’ Question Time Sessions in Dewan Rakyat: A Temporary Shift
Minister’s Decision to Answer Questions
In a surprise move, the Ministers’ Question Time (MQT) sessions in Dewan Rakyat, which are usually answered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will be temporarily shifted to be answered by ministers throughout November. This decision has been made by Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, citing the Prime Minister’s upcoming visits abroad.
Purpose Behind the Shift
The Prime Minister will be conducting visits abroad throughout the period, which has led to the change in the MQT sessions. This means that instead of the usual answers from the Prime Minister, ministers will take up the mantle to respond to questions from MPs on various issues.
Deepavali Celebrations Affect Sitting
The Dewan Rakyat will not convene tomorrow and Thursday due to Deepavali celebrations. This decision was made public before the third meeting of the third term of the 15th Parliament was adjourned for the week.
Supply Bill 2025 Debate
This week’s sitting saw 56 government and opposition MPs participating in the debate of the Supply Bill 2025 at the policy level. This brings the total number of MPs who have debated the bill to 131, with the bill being presented by Anwar in his capacity as Finance Minister on October 18.
Return of the Dewan Rakyat
The Dewan Rakyat will reconvene this Monday (November 4).
Conclusion
In the interest of continuity and effective governance, the shift in the MQT sessions is a temporary measure to ensure that the legislative process continues unhindered. With ministers taking on the mantle of answering questions, the Dewan Rakyat can continue to function efficiently, and the government can focus on its duties and responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the reason for the shift in MQT sessions? The Prime Minister will be conducting visits abroad throughout November, leading to the temporary shift.
- Who will be answering questions in MQT sessions? Ministers will take up the responsibility of answering questions from MPs in place of the Prime Minister.
- Will the Dewan Rakyat reconvene? Yes, the Dewan Rakyat will reconvene this Monday (November 4).
- Will Deepavali celebrations affect the sitting? Yes, the Dewan Rakyat will not convene tomorrow and Thursday due to Deepavali celebrations.