GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state assembly under the Pakatan Rakyat-led government made history last night when the clock was stopped to allow the passage of bills past midnight.

At 11.58pm, two sergeants-at-arms approached the wall clock at the back of the chambers and removed its batteries.

It was largely unnoticed by assembly members, as Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Air Putih) was in the midst of his winding-up speech.

It was only when backbencher RSN Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) swivelled his chair around to snap a picture of the clock that other members noticed.

This is common among legislatures around the world, including the Dewan Rakyat, stopping the clock to allow unfinished assembly business to be completed. However, it has never taken place in the Penang state assembly since the Pakatan Rakyat took over the state administration in 2008.

Earlier, Lim moved a motion to do so under Section 118 of the Standing Orders, to suspend a rule in regards to time limits.

This was because the Speaker is only allowed to extend the assembly by 15 minutes past the end time. The sitting was supposed to end last night at 11.30pm.

Speaker Law Choo Kiang allowed the suspension of the time order, after a voice vote supporting the motion was heard.

It was adjourned sine die at 1.15am, following the passage of the Supply Bill 2017 and the Pig Farming Enactment 2016.

Before that, the house also heard a motion to condemn the atrocities inflicted on ethnic Rohingyas in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. It was moved by Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnon (PKR-Pantai Jerejak).

When contacted, Law said although in practice at the Dewan Rakyat, it was likely a first for the Penang Assembly.

“If not the first time, the first time during Pakatan’s rule in Penang since 2008,” he said.