It had the support of both sides of the House, but the deputy speaker still saw fit to reject an emergency motion to debate the most recent developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It was not a popular decision.

Emergency motion on Israeli-Palestinian conflict rejected

Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee rejected an emergency motion by Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) to debate the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Puad said it was important to discuss yesterday’s decision by the Israeli government to seal off the Gaza Strip again, after Palestinians launched rockets over southern Israel.

This came a day after humanitarian supplies were allowed in for the second time since Israel tightened its blockade following a surge in violence in recent weeks.

Puad said that, as Malaysia sympathises with Palestinians, it is important for the House to discuss how the country can offer help.

His motion forged momentary bipartisan unity, with MPs supporting the motion.

ronald kiandee Ronald agreed that the matter is of public importance, but rejected the motion on the basis that it is not urgent. In addition, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has issued a statement on the matter. This caused an uproar in the House.

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim later told reporters that he was disappointed with the decision, as Muslims have a special interest in the issue.

He also said that the ministry’s statement does not reflect the views of MPs, who should have been given an opportunity to express their views.

"Although the foreign ministry has come out with a statement, Parliament must be given an opportunity to debate because Israelis would not do this to Palestinians if the world is firm on its decisions," said Anwar.

Levy imposed on foreign workers benefits country

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the country benefits from the levy imposed on foreign workers as the money is used to improve immigration management and other development costs.

loh gwo burne Replying to Gwo Burne Loh (PKR-Kelana Jaya, left ), Syed Hamid said the process of collecting the levy is an effective way of monitoring their activities.

“Levy collection allows us to increase security measures and reduce the crime rate. It allows us to monitor their activities,” he said.

As to whether the RM1,800 annual levy is a burden to workers, Syed Hamid said the sum is reasonable, but that the burden was often due to charges imposed by their agents.

Female students are doing better than males

Higher Education Deputy Minister Idris Haron said female students in public universities are doing much better academically then their male counterparts.

education01 “As at July, 60.39 percent of female students had been awarded a degree compared to 29.6 percent for their male counterparts,” he said.

“To say that male students are not smart is not accurate, but they are a bit lazy to think. Female students, previously suppressed by cultural values, now have opportunities to excel, and they respond with an open mind.”

He disclosed that his ministry and the Education Ministry are looking at ways to improve the situation.

“We have been cooperating to make male students realise how important academic achievement is, for them to face future challenges,” he added.