SPEAKER Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun issued an apology for not considering the consequences of allowing Datuk Seri Najib Razak more time to give his explanation over his remarks on the 1MDB controversy last week.

       Several MPs had earlier accused Najib of misleading the House over 1MDB debts.

       On Monday, Azhar told Najib to give his explanation by yesterday.

       However, Najib informed him that he could not do so as he was in Johor for the state election.

       He said he could only give his explanation after polling this Saturday.

       Azhar said Najib had written to him asking for an extension until next Wednesday, but the former prime minister was told that he has until next Tuesday to explain.

       Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson) then stood up and asked the Speaker why parliamentary business was not given priority.

       He added that he has a PKR division meeting in Port Dickson today.

       “Can the Speaker accept this excuse?

       “And after that, there’s the (Johor state) election,” he said, adding that Azhar should not allow matters outside Parliament overrule Dewan Rakyat proceedings.

       “This could set a dangerous precedent” Anwar said.

       Azhar responded by apologising and admitting that he did not take into account the issue that Anwar had raised prior to him allowing Najib to postpone his reply.

       “I take note and thank you for your reminder to me.

       “In hindsight, I did not take into consideration before I made my decision.

       “In the future, I will surely take this for my consideration. I apologise, Yang Berhormat,” Azhar told Anwar.