Govt Lucky To Pass Constitution Amendments Hamzah

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Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin today said the government had been “fortunate” to pass the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to restore and re-enforce the Parliamentary Services Act, during the Dewan Rakyat session on Tuesday.
He pointed out that the government only managed to secure one more vote than the minimum 147 MPs, or a two-thirds majority, needed to amend the constitution.
“Many voices have emerged from government MPs, including the government supporters’ club, as if the constitutional amendment that received 148 votes was a major victory.
“I want to clarify that 148 votes is just barely enough. With 147, the amendment would not have passed.
“So, there’s no need to act as if this is a major reform,” he said during a press conference in Parliament today.
“If it truly were, then all government MPs should have been present in the Dewan Rakyat to support the constitutional amendment,” said the Larut MP.
On Wednesday, the Dewan Rakyat approved the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 with the support of 148 MPs through a bloc vote, surpassing the two-thirds majority requirement.
However, 57 MPs abstained from voting, while 17 MPs were absent during balloting.
Earlier, 18 government and opposition MPs debated the bill.
‘Neutral stand’
Elaborating, Hamzah said that the opposition’s decision to abstain from voting on the constitutional amendment was not about rejecting reforms.
The Larut MP claimed it was because there were issues and a lack of clarity on the amendments made. As such, they decided to stay neutral.
“When we decide to remain neutral, it doesn’t mean we rejected it. There is a difference.
“And I must clarify that when a bill is tabled in Parliament, it must be clear. The problem is, it (the constitutional amendment) had many issues,” the Bersatu deputy president claimed.
Hamzah added that the opposition merely wanted the government to postpone the constitutional amendment as they wanted clarification on the Agong’s role when the Parliamentary Services Act gets re-enacted.
“We must be fair. To be fair to all, the government should have established a committee and consulted all quarters,” he added.
17 MPs absent
Yesterday, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Parliamentary Services Act with several amendments, marking a historic return of the law that gives some autonomy to the legislative body in managing its operations.
According to the Hansard, the 17 absentees during the bloc vote for the Bill’s second reading are (government MPs highlighted in bold):
Tiong King Sing (GPS-Bintulu)
Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera)
Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna)
Hishammuddin Hussein (BN-Sembrong)
Richard Riot Jaem (GPS-Serian)
Chow Kon Yeow (Harapan-Batu Kawan)
Bakri Jamaluddin (PN-Tangga Batu)
Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (PN-Kemaman)
Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh)
Abdul Hadi Awang (PN-Marang)
Tuan Ibharim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian)
Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh (PN-Pasir Puteh)
Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN-Kuala Terengganu)
Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik)
Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas)
Mohd Hasnizan Harun (PN-Hulu Selangor)
Hassan Saad (PN-Baling)
Another two MPs were absent during the vote for the Bill’s third reading, namely Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) and Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh).
It is understood that Bera MP Ismail Sabri Yaakob is still on medical leave today following hospitalisation after he collapsed at home on Feb 22. - Mkini

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