BY LIZAWATI MADFA
SHAH ALAM, NOV 11: The Selangor State Assembly made amendments to the Standing Orders, namely the addition of the Opposition Leader’s speech in Standing Order 13 (1) and Standing Order 14 (A).
Speaker Hannah Yeoh said that this allows the Opposition Leader’s right to give a speech to be guaranteed under Selangor State Assembly Standing Orders in future.
She said that it also provides opportunity and space for the Opposition Leader to interact directly with the Dato’ Menteri Besar.
“This is a first in the country; providing such guaranteed rights to the Opposition Leader in efforts to establish the practice of check and balance.
“This decision had previously already been consulted with by each State Exco, government agencies such as the police, and non-governmental organisations,” she said at a press conference.
At the same time, Hannah said that the Opposition Leader’s speech should be sent to the State Assembly not less than two days before the start of the conference.
“The text should not exceed 2,000 words and should be regarding matters under the responsibility of the Dato’ Menteri Besar, which have not been discussed in the same meeting.
“This allows the Dato’ Menteri Besar to provide oral answers to the issues raised and only the Opposition Leader may seek clarification if a need arises,” he said.
Under the amendment, the meeting will be in accordance the following provisions;
- a) The speaker enters the hall officially
- b) Recites prayer
- c) New members take their vows
- d) Sultan’s Address
- e) Proclamation by Speaker
- f) Appeal
- g) Questions to Menteri Besar
- h) Wish to postpone the meeting due to public interest
- i) Explanation from Menteri Besar
- j) Praise speech
- k) Condolence speech
- l) Personal explanations
- m) Bringing the State Law Bill to a meeting
- n) The motion on Order of Business (to be issued by Menteri Besar)
- o) The motion to adduce Bill
- p) General affairs
- q) Opposition Leader’s speech
