Postponed not withdrawn
Minister says second reading of the Federal Constitution Admendment Bill delayed for AG to explain points to Cabinet members
While the Cabinet has, in principle, agreed to and approved the memorandum on the bill, which was tabled during the last meeting on Wednesday (Oct 20), there were several members who sought further clarification on the proposed amendments.
— Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Parliament)
KUCHING: The tabling of the Bill to amend the Federal Constitution to be in line with the provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has been postponed but not withdrawn.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Parliament) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said that it was tabled in the cabinet on Oct 20 and approved in principle.
He added that the postponement would allow the Attorney-General to further explain the proposed amendments to members of the Cabinet.
“While the Cabinet has, in principle, agreed to and approved the memorandum on the bill, which was tabled during the last meeting on Wednesday (Oct 20), there were several members who sought further clarification on the proposed amendments.
“To address their queries, the Cabinet has agreed to ask the AG to attend the upcoming Cabinet meeting on Friday (Oct 29) to explain on the amendments. Once the Cabinet is fully satisfied with the explanation, only then we will be able to fix a new date for the second reading on the Bill in Parliament,” he said
Wan Junaidi said that he would be meeting the prime minister later yesterday afternoon to get the final decision before the meeting this Monday.
“If the Prime Minister can give permission for the first reading, we will do it. If not, the second reading will be postponed to mid-December,” he said when met during a visit to the Kampung Bintawa Hilir Mother and Child Clinic yesterday.
He added that the prime minister was open to listening from all sides, which was why it was postponed.
“It is not withdrawn — it was approved in principle.”
Wan Junaidi who is also Santubong MP said the first reading is scheduled for Oct 26 and the second reading on Oct 28 for debate and decision.