More time should be given to key bills

KUALA LUMPUR: The Senators Council of Malaysia today said that all important bills tabled in the Dewan Rakyat should have been given sufficient time to be debated.
Its president Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman said the bills are not just important but also urgent in view of the current terrorism threats by the Islamic State (IS) militants.
He was reponding to question asked on the Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2015, amendments to Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 and Sedition Act 1948 that were bulldozed in the Dewan Rakyat last week.
"It was important these bills were given proper time to be debated. They are crucial bills to address the current threats.
"But I guess the MPs have made the decision to finish it. And due to so many bills being tabled at the same time, it had to be extended till late hours," Abdul Rahim told a press conference at the Parliament lobby.
However, he said, that despite the sitting extended to wee hours, he believed the MPs are responsible people and would have given their best.
When asked on the amendments to the Sedition Act, a law initially enacted to combat communists activities and had been used on Opposition MPs, academicians and the media, Abdul Rahim said: "Let us read the bill properly first and then respond."
Meanwhile the Senators Council pledged their 100% support to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in light of various criticisms hurled at him lately.
"Unfortunately the criticism are not just baseless but are also cynical and sceptical in nature towards Najib's decisions on several matters.
"All those criticisms are to tarnish his image," Abdul Rahim said.
However he made a U-turn when asked if former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's criticisms were baseless.
"In a democratic country, everyone including the former Prime Minister, is entitled to give his views and raise questions. Tun M, with the greatest respect, can make his views and based on the answers PM has given.
"I think he (Najib) has answered the questions, but whether (Mahathir) is satisfied with the answers or not is up to him," Abdul Rahim said.
Reiterating that the council is not blindly supporting Najib, he said the council believes that whatever the government does is to develop the nation and people.