KUCHING: The price of goods and cost-of-living issue can be discussed at the Dewan Rakyat sitting, which begins on July 18, without the need to hold a special parliamentary sitting before that date.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said it was now the responsibility of the members of Parliament (MP) to submit the motion on the matter to get the approval of the Dewan Rakyat Speaker.
The minister was confident that the Dewan Rakyat Speaker would provide an opportunity for federal lawmakers to debate the matter, as it involved the interests of the people.
"There is no need for us to hold a special sitting of Parliament, as the Dewan Rakyat will sit in the next nine days.
"MPs need to take the initiative to specifically discuss the issue in the Dewan Rakyat."
He said this after handing over 66 cattle for the Santubong Parliamentary constituency at the Agriculture Department Quarantine Station, Bako, here, today in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha.
Wan Junaidi, who is the Santubong member of Parliament, said this when asked to comment on the proposal by Pakatan Harapan Cost of Living Committee chairman Hassan Karim yesterday on the need for a special parliamentary sitting to discuss the price of goods and cost of living during the Dewan Rakyat session this month.
Commenting further, Wan Junaidi said there were no obstacles for any specific matter to be discussed that is outside the agenda set by Parliament and the government.
"But it is up to the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat whether to allow it or not," he said.
According to him, if a special sitting was held outside the Dewan Rakyat session, it would incur enormous cost.
"The cost involves the expenses of all MPs to go down to the Dewan Rakyat, as well as the cost of the officers who will take part," Wan Junaidi said.
The Dewan Rakyat will kick off its mid-year session on July 18 and will sit until Aug 4.