KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has once again urged for Parliament to be reconvened, seeing that many lawmakers have been vaccinated against Covid-19.
In a Facebook post today, the Umno president said it has been 25 days since the Yang di-Pertuan Agong decreed that Parliament can sit during the state of emergency, and yet, a date has not been set.
“Parliament’s function as a check and balance to the country’s democracy continues to depend on the excuse of ‘science and data’.
“I am of the view that it is time for democracy to be restored on the grounds of ‘science and data’.
“Firstly, parliamentary functions can be continued virtually, as many other countries are doing.
“Secondly, many MPs have been inoculated since the national Covid-19 vaccination programme started.
“Thirdly, many activities, including schools, have been reopened, hence there is no reason why Parliament should remain closed.
“Moreover, the Batu Pahat MP (and Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon) shared on Facebook that he ran around Parliament until his ‘knees trembled’ (ketaq lutut).
“He said he was in a gimmick for the Parliament Virtual Run 2021.”
Zahid said this means Parliament is a safe area, and will remain so as long as attendees adhere to the standard operating procedures.
“Keep in mind that Parliament has the highest position in a democratic system. Parliament is a forum for the people to voice their concerns through their elected representatives.
“It serves as the federal legislature that examines government policies in the interest of the country. It is also to maintain the policy of the separation of executive, legislative and judicial powers to prevent abuse arising from the centralisation of power.”
This is not the first time Zahid has called for Parliament to reconvene, having done so since the king’s decree. – The Vibes, March 21, 2021
