KUALA LUMPUR – A special committee is looking into the concept and method for hybrid Parliament sittings, taking into account the experience of legislative bodies in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia, said Tan Sri Rais Yatim.
The Dewan Negara president, in a statement today, said several key aspects are being analysed by the panel, particularly in terms of interpretation and implementation, to avoid violations of Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
“The concept and procedure have various implications, not only from the legal aspect, such as the Standing Orders of both Houses of Parliament, but also new stipulations on the behaviour and conduct of MPs, besides matters of infrastructure and legislative tools.”
He said the committee, whose members include himself, the Dewan Rakyat speaker, ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department, Dewan Negara deputy president, both Dewan Rakyat deputy speakers and Parliament chief administrator, will hold a follow-up meeting tomorrow.
He said the committee has taken into account the pandemic’s impact on the country and the need for continuity of the people’s voice in Parliament.
“Besides that, the special committee is also considering the implications of the enforcement of the emergency, such as financial challenges, and the burden of Parliament administrators’ duties, as well as the capability to update communications infrastructure in the 222 federal constituencies nationwide.
“As such, the implementation of this legislative project is a noble and constructive effort, because in any situation, Parliament, as the main institution of a democratic government, must be functioning.
“To achieve this noble objective, the executive and legislature must work as one so that the result meets the requirements of the federal constitution, Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952, Standing Orders of both Houses, and the related subsidiary regulations.”
On June 4, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the government has agreed in principle for Parliament sittings to be held in a hybrid manner, where representatives are present both in-person and online. – Bernama, June 7, 2021
