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PETALING JAYA: The recent publication of an ordinance allowing the Perikatan Nasional-led government to withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund without Parliament’s approval is an indication that the emergency could extend beyond August 1, says Lim Guan Eng.
The former finance minister described the ordinance as a “cruel joke of the innocent about parliamentary democracy” and said it would be unnecessary if the plan was to end the emergency as scheduled.
“Supplemental budgets can be legally delayed until the end of the year for parliamentary approval. This means that Parliament can still approve supplementary budgets for additional expenses when the emergency ends and Parliament meets again, ”said the DAP secretary general.
“By financially ‘guillotining’ Parliament, is the prime minister hinting that the emergency and suspension of Parliament may extend beyond August 1?” I ask
The ordinance removes the liability provided by Dewan Rakyat, the Bagan MP said, citing the reduction of the communications department’s (J-Com) budget from RM 85.5 million to RM 40.5 million during the latest debate on the national budget as an example of the importance of speech and debate.
He said that if additional funds were really needed to combat Covid-19, there would be no need to bypass Parliament, as the opposition would likely support any such spending increases.
“Without parliamentary oversight, there is a high risk that any new spending by this government will not be properly accounted for, and the cronies will benefit rather than the people.”
