Debate motion on MAS losses rejected

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat rejected an emergency motion to debate the losses incurred by national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) last year and first quarter of this year, amounting to RM1.2 billion.
Rejecting the motion by Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) in chambers, Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said the motion did not fulfil the requirement for an emergency motion as set out in the Standing Orders 18(1).
The Standing Order states that an emergency motion should be urgent, specific and of public interest.
"I have found that the government is already taking action to determine the cause of the airline's loss and it is looking for a solution to the problem.
"Since it is being investigated, it (the motion) is not urgent (to be debated)," Pandikar said in a written reply to Lim.
Lim, who submitted the motion on June 6, told a press conference in Parliament today that he had requested the Dewan Rakyat discuss the RM1.174 billion losses incurred by the national airline last year and recorded net loss of RM433.4mil in the first quarter of 2014.
Stressing that MAS recorded huge losses for three years in a row, he said that the issue is not just about public funds but also of national pride.
"MAS management looks weak and can no longer compete with other airlines especially after MH370's disappearance," he said.
Lim's attempt to raise it in the Dewan was shot down by Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee.