Pakatan Harapan urges government to extend special Parliament sitting

0
59

PETALING JAYA: The five-day special parliamentary sitting starting July 26 is “too short” to discuss key issues highlighted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, says the Pakatan Harapan presidential council.

“After three reminders from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Prime Minister is finally calling for Parliament to reconvene.

“However, the council thinks that the special sitting is too short to really debate the matters that have been highlighted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“We deeply regret that the Perikatan Nasional government only intends to provide an explanation on the Covid-19 National Recovery Plan without any debate, while the Emergency proclamation and Emergency Ordinance will only be tabled and not discussed or decided,” it said in a statement on Wednesday (July 7).

The council said that such arrangements were not according to the King’s recommendations.

On Monday (July 5), the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Parliament will convene for five days from July 26 to July 29 and August 2 for the Dewan Rakyat and three days from August 3 to 5 for Dewan Negara.

“Parliament is a platform to listen to problems, voice grievances and restore the people’s hopes while finding solutions to any crisis facing the country.

“The principles of accountability and sincerity should be upheld with a check and balance role involving all MPs.

“It is not just a stage to listen to the minister’s lectures without being given space to debate,” it added.

The council also urged the government to involve the Opposition to plan and organise the special parliamentary sitting together to find ways for Malaysians to overcome the Covid-19 crisis.



Source link