Attempt By Opposition To Reject BN Motion Fails - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- The opposition's attempt to reject the motion on the increase in the prices of petroleum and other goods tabled by the government in the Dewan Rakyat met with failure when the block voting showed that 129 members voted for the government compared to 78 who voted against it.

It was the second time that the opposition pact had opted for block voting after the first one to pass the motion on the Supply Bill 2008 (2007), which also favoured the government 92-60 on May 28.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia accepted the protest made by Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) under article 46 (4) of the Standing Order when 15 or more members stood up to protest on the decision of the House previously which voted according to a voice vote.

The sitting earlier which was chaired by Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee had decided that the motion was passed based on a majority voice but this was opposed by M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat).

The motion was tabled by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad.

Ministers who were absent were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim (BN-Jelebu), Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (BN-Bagan Datoh) and Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique (BN-Setiawangsa).

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