In an unexpected turn of events during today's parliamentary session, the leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, raised concerns about the order paper, leading to the abrupt adjournment of the house for a tea break without any motions being tabled.

Venaani stressed that private members' bills, including his own, should be accorded the same consideration as government bills in accordance with parliamentary rules.

"The order paper has a specific protocol, influenced by various factors. It cannot be subject to arbitrary changes by the Deputy Speaker based on caucus decisions. Private members' bills, such as mine, should take precedence over motions when listed on the order paper."

Venaani raised concerns about the perceived lack of consultation and transparency in altering the order paper.

He alleged that decisions were being made without input from all members of parliament.

In response to Venaani's concerns, the Deputy Speaker addressed the issue after the tea break, acknowledging the presence of notices of motion on the order paper.

"It was notices of motion, but in accordance with the rules, I chose to reorder the preferences according to the order of the day. Item number one, pertaining to the committee stage, requires prudent consideration. Additionally, I believed it would be unwise to overlook the reconsideration of the marriage amendment while prioritising other items, given their longstanding presence on the agenda."

Several other members expressed their views on the order paper arrangements.