When is it acceptable for a deputy minister to answer for a minister?

Question

Accepted Answer

Deputy Ministers May Answer Parliamentary Questions on Behalf of Ministers, With Conditions

It is generally considered acceptable parliamentary practice for deputy ministers to answer questions on behalf of their respective ministers. However, this practice becomes contentious when the minister is present within the Parliament building and appears to be avoiding answering a question, particularly a supplementary one. This situation has led to disagreements regarding the level of respect shown to Members of Parliament and the parliamentary institution itself.
Practice Allows Deputy Ministers to Respond

The convention that deputy ministers can respond to parliamentary questions in place of their ministers is acknowledged by both sides of the political divide. This practice allows for the smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings, ensuring that questions receive answers even if the primary minister is occupied or unavailable. It is seen as a normal process where ministers delegate tasks to their deputies, fostering a cooperative approach within government.
Minister's Presence Raises Concerns

A key point of contention arises when a minister is physically present in the Parliament building but chooses to have their deputy answer a question. Opposition leader Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob argues that if a minister intends to avoid answering, they should not be present in the House. He specifically cited an instance where the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, Datuk Salahuddin Ayub, allegedly delegated the answering of a supplementary question to his deputy, Sim Tze Tzin, when he himself was present.
Perceived Disrespect and Evasion

Ismail Sabri views this act of a minister leaving the floor or having a deputy answer when the minister is present as a sign of disrespect towards the MPs posing the questions and the parliamentary body as a whole. He suggested that such actions could be perceived as an attempt to evade answering difficult or supplementary questions, thereby undermining the accountability expected of ministers. This perspective highlights the importance of direct engagement between ministers and the legislative body.
Minister's Defence of the Practice

Datuk Salahuddin Ayub, however, defended his actions, stating that allowing his deputy to answer one of two questions on a given day was a standard procedure and not an attempt to evade the House. He believes that ministers should provide opportunities for their deputies to respond in Parliament, viewing it as a normal and cooperative way of operating that he has practiced previously. This suggests a difference in interpretation regarding the circumstances under which such delegation is appropriate.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

When is it acceptable for a deputy minister to answer for a minister?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends