The Malaysian Insight

PAKATAN Harapan will act against its lawmakers who missed the vital voting of the constitutional amendment bill on Wednesday if they fail to provide valid reasons for their absence, said the Government Backbenchers Club chairman.

Johari Abdul, who is the Sungai Petani MP, also confirmed that four of its MPs missed the vote.

The bill was defeated as it fell short of the 148 votes needed. The government received 138 votes in support while 59 lawmakers, including those from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), abstained. The opposition had opposed the bill.

The four PH lawmakers absent that day were Education Minister Maszlee Malik (Simpang Renggam), Deputy Primary Industries Minister Shamsul Iskandar (Hang Tuah Jaya), Noor Amin Ahmad (Kangar) and Muslimin Yahya (Sungai Besar).

Both Shamsul and Noor Amin were in the US while Muslimin was unwell, the PKR leader said.

As for Maszlee, Johari said he was unsure for the reason of his absence, adding that he will have to check with the minister from Bersatu.

“I will call them (Shamsul and Noor Amin) once they return from the US. Of course, all MPs should be aware of the voting.

“They told me beforehand that they will be away but I can’t recall the dates. They have to get clearance for not attending.

“I am not happy (with their move). Anyway, we will wait for them to come back. We will listen to them and decide (on disciplinary action),” he told The Malaysian Insight.

The ruling coalition’s bid to amend the federal constitution to restore the position of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners in the federation fell through after it failed to secure two-thirds majority.

Even the presence of the four PH lawmakers would not have allowed the bill to pass. – April 14, 2019.