KUALA LUMPUR: A motion to discuss flood mitigation measures in Parliament was rejected by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul.
The motion, which was submitted by Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar) yesterday, was rejected due to time constraints.
The Muda president said last year when then-opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim moved a similar motion, it was also rejected by then-Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun.
"However, seeing that it was a matter of importance, the speaker used his power under Standing Order 16(1) for it to be discussed in the special chambers.
"This is an important national issue, more than 45,000 families have been affected by the floods and there are already deaths being reported.
"The meteorological department also predicted that this number would increase, and 10 million people could be affected.
"I hope the speaker can give some flexibility and allow it to be discussed, at least in the special chambers," he said.
Johari in response said immediate measures had already been taken, and would continue to be given to those who had been affected.
He added that a large allocation had also been approved to help those in need.
"I think this is in line with what you have in mind," he said.
Yesterday, Syed Saddiq filed his emergency motion for the august house to debate the severe floods under Parliament Standing Orders 18(1) and 18(2).
He had urged the Parliament to declare a climate emergency and discuss immediate flood mitigation measures to minimise the flood risk and damage, especially to east coast states.
Floods continue to wreak havoc in five states in the peninsula, particularly in the east coast states of Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang, as well as Johor and Perak.
