Parliament's new sitting delayed by undecided cabinet line-up

The Perikatan Nasional (PN) government pushed back the next Parliament sitting by two months to May 18 as more time was needed to decide on its cabinet line-up.

This is according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Department (PMD) after PN drew flak for postponing the sitting which was originally slated for March 9.

"The postponement (was announced after) it was taken into consideration various factors particularly in the event where the appointment of ministers and deputy ministers are being finalised," said the PMD.

"This is also to allow a proper timeframe for the new cabinet line-up to understand their duties in the ministries and their departments respectively," it added.

The ministers need to be ready to be able to answer on the tabling of bills and motions in the Dewan Rakyat as well, added the department.

At the same time, PMD said this would allow the lawmakers to submit their questions or new motions relevant to the current situation.

"This will also ensure a smooth administration in the Parliament," said PMD.

"The parliament institution should be respected by the people, including the MPs," it said.

The Pakatan Harapan government which fell over the weekend planned to table a motion at the new Parliament sitting to test whether Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin commanded the majority support of the Lower House.

DAP's Ramkarpal Singh also said that other government business could be postponed to May, but that an urgent sitting should be called to determine who has the majority support.

DAP's Lanang MP Alice Lau questioned if Muhyiddin dared not to face the MPs in the House.

Both Harapan and Muhyiddin claim to be in control of the Dewan Rakyat.

Article 43(4) of the Federal Constitution states that when a prime minister loses majority support in the Dewan Rakyat, he must tender his resignation unless the Yang Di Pertuan Agong then decides to dissolve Parliament.

BN Ketereh MP Annuar Musa defended the decision, saying Harapan took two months to convene Parliament after winning the 2018 general election.