KUALA LUMPUR – Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has reminded senators to always maintain decorum when debating the motion on the 12th Malaysia Plan 2021-2025 mid-term review (12MP MTR) at the Dewan Negara sitting that started today.
He said that all members of the Dewan Negara should also refrain from touching on the personal matters of the minister if they do not agree with the government.
“With the check-and-balance role, members of the Dewan Negara must refrain from using inappropriate and unparliamentary language and instead provide constructive feedback.
“If you disagree with what the minister said, it is fine to (give views and suggestions), but don’t touch on the personal affairs of the minister.
“This is a fundamental issue for the interests of the country and the people…I’m hoping for everyone’s cooperation,” he said.
Wan Junaidi said he did not want the heated arguments that transpired in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was delivering his winding-up speech on the 12MP MTR motion to occur in the Senate.
Meanwhile, Wan Junaidi said senators are not required to wear neckties when attending the Dewan Negara sitting, in accordance with the practice of members of the Lower House.
He said that the decision was made following a discussion with Dewan Negara secretary Muhd Sujairi Abdullah.
“…we must agree with the Dewan Rakyat’s practice, so what is adopted in the Dewan Rakyat applies in the Dewan Negara,” he said in reply to a question from Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
The special sitting which started today will take place until September 26. – September 20, 2023