Prorogued Parliament - What is it?

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 --  The current political scenario saw all eyes fixed on the government formation process and the appointment of the new prime minister.

In the process, several terms including the relatively foreign sounding 'prorogued parliament' were also noted and the country's constitutional expert, Associate Professor Dr Shamrahayu Abdul Aziz explains;

What is a prorogued Parliament?

- A prorogued parliament means the suspension of a Dewan Rakyat session in the parliament.

When can a prorogued parliament happen?

- When there is a conflict during a Dewan Rakyat session in Parliament.

What is the difference between a prorogation and a dissolution of Parliament?

- Prorogation of parliament is suspending a Dewan Rakyat session without dissolving the parliament.

What happens to the government during a prorogued parliament?

- All government matters will go on as usual.

Who can decide to prorogue the Parliament?

- The Yang di-Pertuan Agong under Article 55 (2) of the Federal Constitution can prorogue or dissolve the Parliament.

If this happens, what about the pending bills in Parliament?

- Pending bills will be brought forward to the next session.

How is the prorogation of Parliament relevant to the current political issue?

- Dewan Rakyat session will be halted when there is a conflict in the country. 

How long can a Parliament be prorogued?

- In a period of six months from the date of the last sitting.

-- BERNAMA