KUALA LUMPUR: Proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat came to a halt when it failed to meet the minimum quorum of 26 members of Parliament (MP).
The point of order was raised by Jamaludin Yahya (Perikatan Nasional-Pasir Salak), in the midst of the Supply Bill 2023 debate by Wong Kah Woh (Pakatan Harapan-Taiping).
Under Standing Order 13, there must be at least 26 MPs in the 222-seat Dewan to allow proceedings to be held.
After a headcount, Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Alice Lau said there were only 24 MPs in the hall and ordered the Parliament secretary to ring the bell.
RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) then stood up and said Jamaludin purposely raised the point of order.
"Pasir Salak is doing this on purpose, a lot of MPs are out because it is time for (Maghrib) prayers. Please be sensitive," he said.
The bell rang for about 50 seconds before several MPs were seen entering, and proceedings resumed.
After Wong was done debating, Rayer once again stood up, and urged the deputy speaker to reprimand Jamaludin.
"Is this the behaviour of a PN MP? He is doing this on purpose. I urge you, Madam Speaker, to reprimand him and issue him a stern warning so he doesn't repeat this."
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan echoed Rayer, saying that he was worried that if he left for prayers, there wouldn't be enough people in the hall.
"We know why there aren't many people. Don't bother people during Maghrib," he said.
A PN's Parit Buntar lawmaker Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki however interjected and said: "Those who are praying can continue praying. Non-Muslims are the ones who are supposed to be in the hall."