GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government will send an official letter to the National Security Council (NSC) to obtain its permission to hold a state legislative assembly meeting.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Section 15 (1)(b) of the emergency ordinance provides for state assembly meetings to be called, even though Parliament is not sitting, through the recommendation of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“Through a process of consultation between the Yang di-Pertua Negeri and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, where the recommendation is not binding on him, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may make any appropriate consideration under Section 15 (1)(b) of the emergency ordinance.
“As the powers will be applied in accordance with the emergency ordinance in relation to the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, then, the proposal to set a date to convene the state assembly session should be submitted to the NSC in advance for further action," he said in his closing remarks at an engagement session between the state executive council and state assemblymen here today.
The engagement session, which began yesterday, was held as a replacement for a state legislative assembly meeting.
Chow said if members of the assembly feel the engagement session is more suitable, the state government is open to suggestions to hold it again if the state assembly cannot meet in the next few months.
In this regard, he replied to a question from Air Puteh assemblyman Lim Guan Eng on whether the eligible age limit of 21 for candidates of the state legislative assembly should be lowered to 18.
Chow said Penang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee is taking the appropriate action, including engagement sessions and surveys, on the matter.
“But for citizens aged 18 to become candidates in state assembly election will require an amendment to the state constitution as the matter touches on the eligibility of candidates, which is currently fixed at 21 years and above.
“We will follow up the matter and, if possible, it will be tabled when the assembly meets again.” – Bernama, March 30, 2021
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