BALIK PULAU – The Dewan Negara should be allowed to resume next month to discuss the growing seriousness of the Covid-19 crises in Malaysia, said PKR Senator Yusmadi Yusoff.
Unlike the Dewan Rakyat, Yusmadi said that the Senate is an apolitical entity with appointed members rather than elected parliamentarians.
“We need to voice suggestions and debate on the best way to counter the virus.
“Frankly, we must have a mindset that Malaysians as a whole are at war with the virus which does not differentiate our political affiliations,” Yusmadi told The Vibes.
Under the current state of emergency which lasts till August 1, sittings in both the lower and upper houses are suspended.
Yusmadi said that the Dewan Negara is not a heated platform like the Dewan Rakyat, where there is speculation that the government under Perikatan Nasional lacks the simple majority to govern.
“Our Senate is a necessary medium to channel the voices of the people and the communities to the government of the day so that we can find fresh ideas to combat Covid-19.”
Despite being in the opposition PKR, Yusmadi said that the majority of senators are likely to push for a non-partisan approach in battling the virus, adding that it is inadequate to appoint opposition members in minor roles at Parliamentary select committees.
“The opposition has the talent and experience to play a bigger role in helping the government to fight the pandemic.
“Surely, they must admit that they need help.”
It is obvious that the government has failed and as the country enters a state of uncertainty with a total lockdown, it is best to find a non-partisan formula to govern the country, said Yusmadi.
He also demanded that the Finance Ministry allow a loan moratorium to take effect for the next three months in view of the dire economic consequences as a result of the total lockdown.
“More jobs are expected to be lost from the lockdown as only essential services are allowed to operate. The moratorium is needed here,” said Yusmadi. – The Vibes, May 29, 2021
