PN MPs walk out after speaker refuses to delay special TH sitting

Opposition MPs in Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat abruptly left the chamber today during a special sitting to discuss a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) report on the Tabung Haji (TH) after their request to postpone the proceedings was denied. The opposition's chief whip, Takiyuddin Hassan, had argued that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's absence, due to his recent abdominal surgery, made the special sitting redundant.

Speaker Johari Abdul persisted, stating that the debate would continue as key ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, would represent the Cabinet. However, Takiyuddin and other Perikatan Nasional (PN) MPs walked out in protest, insisting that Anwar's presence was essential.

In contrast, Bersatu MPs aligned with former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin remained in the chamber, rejecting the walkout. They emphasized the importance of the RCI report, which revealed significant shortcomings in TH's governance, investments, and financial management over the past six years. The report was declassified in July of last year after four years of investigation.