A Pragmatic Analysis of Responses in Malaysian Parliamentary Discourse

This study employs the framework of responses proposed by Harris (1991), notion implicature as defined Thomas (1995), and dimensions resistance introduced Clayman (2001) to examine types in Malaysian Parliamentary Question Time. Analysis revealed tendency using direct, indirect, evasive specific questions for various reasons. Direct answers were observed that could reflect positively on government’s image. On contrary, indirect employed suggest clashing goals between responders questioners subsequently threaten image government whereas negative presuppositions way are structured parliament influence production evasion.Keywords: direct answer, response, parliamentary discourse, political discourse