Dewan Rakyat: Disappointed with proceedings - NST

PATIENCE was the biggest factor that kept Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia in check yesterday.

Speaking to the media after a long day, Pandikar Amin said he would not use his powers to suspend or order any members to leave the House unless he is pushed to the extreme.

The sitting of the first day of Parliament after the 12th general election was a raucous affair, with name-calling.

"Anyone in my place would have felt tested. Half a day was wasted by MPs arguing on technicalities of oath-taking and order of questions raised.

"Taking the oath in the right manner is not a national issue. How are we supposed to debate on current issues if MPs waste the time of Parliament to argue trivial matters?" said Pandikar Amin.

On his ruling to skip supplementary questions after the prime minister had delivered his answer to the first question, Pandikar Amin said there were hard and fast rules on asking supplementary questions.

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