Yesterday, I took part in the MoF debate which was heated, controversial and downright bizzare in some parts. (1/n)
The minister started off well enough by saying he will reply to questions raised by a few MPs, including myself. But then he goes on to read a prepared speech touching on very general terms. (2/n)
After listening carefully for a few minutes, I interjected him to ask whether he will be answering our specific questions that we posed or will he just continue to talk in general terms. (3/n)
It is the proper practice of ministers to answer specific questions of MPs during their respective King's speech. At this point, the Speaker intervened to help the minister by saying, I could write in with more specific questions. Er, no we can't! (4/n)
The debate then picked up pace with allegations and revelations regarding Covid-19, Goldman Sachs Settlement, fiscal revenue, Tommy Thomas, 1MDB, Tabung Harapan, national debt, and the GST. (5/n)
malaysiakini.com/news/537637
malaysiakini.com/news/537637
The Speaker in fact defended the minister a second time to help the minister to explain the issue of cabinet approval for the settlement. This is extremely unbecoming of the Speaker. (6/n)
freemalaysiatoday.com/category/natio…
freemalaysiatoday.com/category/natio…
Many issues that were debated, such as GST, Tabung Harapan, national debt had nothing to do with the MP speeches but were asked impromptu for the purposes of settling political scores. (7/n)
Many specific questions went unanswered and/or were just ignored. I interjected about 3 or 4 times and got no satisfactory answers everytime. Towards the end, the house descended into a political quarrel with shouting matches. Not a proud day for Parliament. (8/8)
