Govt survives vote on PMO budget

The budget for the Prime Minister’s Office was passed at the committee stage today despite opposition MPs moving to support a bloc vote, less than a week after sitting out a call for such a vote at the policy stage of the debate.

The bloc vote, which ensured a vote by every MP in the house, saw 105 in support, 95 against and 20 absent.

Eleven people participated in the debate at the committee level for the Prime Minister’s Office which involves five portfolios: Sabah and Sarawak affairs, law, religion, economic affairs and the special duties division.

Last Thursday, opposition MPs refused to call for a bloc vote on the 2021 budget with only 13 standing in support of the move – two short of the 15 needed.