LETTERS: I refer to the report "Deputy education minister reprimanded".
It is embarrassing that Lim Hui Ying could not answer a parliamentary question.
In short, she was unprepared. This is the first time that a deputy minister came to the House and was unable to give a reply.
As a deputy minister and member of parliament, she represents her ministry. MPs are accountable to the people.
It is only appropriate that the deputy speaker ticked her off. She deserves the criticism and censure.
In December, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said ministers and their deputies would carry out their duties to the best of their abilities.
As a long-time senior civil servant, let me explain how the system works.
Parliamentary matters are given priority. When questions are submitted, officers will quickly act on them.
There will be several drafts before answers are submitted to ministries' secretaries-general for approval.
Then the answers are submitted to minister or deputy ministers for their consideration.
Officers will try to guess follow-up or supplementary questions.
The preparation is thorough. In some cases, there will also be a dress rehearsal to enable ministers or their deputies to ask questions.
In short, the government machinery is at the disposal of ministers and their deputies.
It appears that Lim did not go through this rigorous process.
DR POLA SINGH
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times