Opposition walks out after no go for motion on EPF withdrawals

MPs from Perikatan Nasional walked out of the Dewan Rakyat today after the speaker's office rejected an emergency motion on the withdrawal of savings from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). 

Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said the speaker's office rejected the motion submitted last Friday as it had already been answered by the finance minister and his deputy. 

MPs from the opposition bloc then said that many of their motions had been rejected without clear reason. 

Fayhsal himself said that he was still receiving complaints and grievances from the people who were asking for a targeted EPF withdrawal. 

"They say that they are not satisfied with the explanation by the finance minister and deputy finance minister," he said. 

"So allow us to debate this issue today. There are only two days left in this Parliament session."

Fayhsal submitted the motion on Friday, asking that the Dewan Rakyat session be adjourned in accordance with Articles 18 (1) and (2) of the meeting rules.

Today, he called again for the motion to be considered, calling it a matter of public interest. 

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin agreed, saying many were struggling in the current economic situation. 

Deputy speaker Alice Lau however said that a final decision had already been made by the speaker, in line with meeting rule 43. 

"If you are not satisfied, you can submit another motion," she said. 

"If you would like to leave, you can leave."