Published on: Saturday, July 30, 2005 |
Kota Kinabalu: The State Assembly has no plans to increase the time allocated to the Question and Answer (Q&A) session during assembly sittings, said Legislative Speaker Datuk Juhar Hj. Mahiruddin.
"In my opinion the present time allocated for Q&A is sufficient," said Juhar, adding, it would be reviewed if necessary.
He was met after receiving a courtesy call by Deputy Parliament Speaker Datuk Lim Si Cheng, Datuk Dr Hj. Yusof Hj. Yaakob, Deputy Senate Speaker Datuk Wong Foon Min and Member Parliament for Alor Setar Datuk Chior Chee Heung at his office in the State Assembly building, near here Friday.
There have been calls for additional time for the Q&A owing to the large number of questions and need to prevent the bulldozing of amendments and new Bills because of the absence of opposition.
To this Juhar said questions not answered during the Q&A would see the respective Ministry replying these in writing later.
Meanwhile Juhar said the State Assembly's working committee would convene soon to discuss amendments to certain outdated standing orders to suit present times.
He said among these have to do with increasing the number of days to debate on the budget and motion of thanks to the Head of State's policy speech.
"Presently we have only three days allocated for both," said Juhar, adding that with the present number of elected assemblyman a review may be in order.
The State Assembly will convene for three days beginning Aug. 15.
