Influence of (Non) Observance of Maxims on Evasion in Malaysian Parliamentary Question Time

This content-analytic study examines the influence of (non) observance maxims in production evasive responses Malaysian Parliamentary Question Time. The analysis was based on theories Cooperative Principle (Grice, 1975) and Clayman’s Framework Resistance (2001; 2012). Two strategies were found to produce namely, violating opting out. Ministers deputy ministers frequently shift tasks required by providing assurances questioners audience. They also acknowledged issues raised without addressing them. Further, they talked about prior actions taken address current made a reference another party relieve themselves from bearing responsibility alone which led violation that subsequently produced responses. Evasive occurred when disregarded questions altogether, thus out Principle. Despite being evasive, equivocal deemed cooperative as no instances follow-up recorded.