PARLIAMENT | The government was almost defeated in the Budget 2018 debate at the Dewan Rakyat tonight, when the opposition sprung a surprise bloc vote.

The BN won by a razor-thin margin of one vote.

The government was wrapping up the committee stage debate for the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry's portion of Budget 2018 when G Manivanan (PKR-Kapar) called for the vote to protest the rising cost of petrol and goods.

At the time, the House was almost empty, with most BN MPs not on the floor.

Deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee then instructed for the House bell to be rung for two minutes, and the government lawmakers rushed in...