Chuan backs earlier last debateChuan: Admitsquorum an issueHouse Speaker Chuan Leekpai disagrees with a government plan to hold a general debate after Feb 15, saying the debate should be held early next month, as per the opposition's request. Under the government's plan, the debate is expected to be held either on Feb 15–16 or Feb 23–24, but Mr Chuan yesterday said the debate should take place next month. "The opposition has argued the schedule proposed by the government is too far off, as the opposition tabled a motion for a general debate in December," he said. "The debate -- under Section 152 of the constitution -- is held without a vote." Regarding frequent cancellations due to the lack of quorum, Mr Chuan admitted the government is struggling to control MP defections.
