Best for Parliament to sit after emergency ends, say PAS leaders

GEORGE TOWN – Top PAS leaders’ affirmation for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s timeline to reconvene Parliament has garnered positive reactions among other party chiefs.

Penaga assemblyman Mohd Yusni Mat Piah told The Vibes that as long as sittings – state or federal – are held after the state of emergency ends on August 1, he is open to it.

It takes time to prepare for a state assembly or parliamentary sitting, he added.

“Special gazettes need to be despatched, elected representatives notified and attendance acknowledged.

“It is not like reopening a shop, not like what Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said... if he wins, the price of oil will go down tomorrow. It is not that easy.”

The Penang PAS Youth chief said the due process of holding a state assembly or parliamentary sitting must be respected.

“The question of ignoring the directive from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong does not arise as it is understood by all quarters that Parliament should be held after the emergency ends.”

In Kelantan, Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said since it takes time for Parliament to hold a session, it should convene by September or October with the attendance of all 222 members.

The PAS vice-president said Muhyiddin’s timeline will then be in line with the tabling of the national budget, which is typically held in October.

Penang PAS secretary Iszuree Ibrahim, however, described the convening of Parliament as risky for many parties, especially officials and staff.

A parliamentary session not only involves all 222 MPs, but also the attendance of between 2,000 and 3,000 people, including media personnel, he added.

“I am worried that if Parliament convenes, the leaders will focus on political issues and forget about the people who need their help.

“Urging Parliament to open within 14 days is not appropriate.

“(As) daily Covid-19 cases show no significant decline, I feel it is not the right time for Parliament to convene.”

Iszuree was referring to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s ultimatum, calling for the Perikatan Nasional government to let Parliament sit in 14 days, failing which his party will call a supreme council meeting to discuss its next step.

Zahid’s ultimatum no surprise

Zahid, in a statement yesterday, said: “There is no need for terms such as ‘as soon as possible’ and ‘soon’ in the two statements that expressed a common stand (by the Agong and Conference of Rulers) on a parliamentary sitting.”

Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Sivamurugan Pandian told The Vibes that Zahid’s ultimatum comes as no surprise.

He said Umno has wanted to reconvene Parliament from the start – a move supported by opposition parties.

“As one of the cores of PN, Umno issued a statement based on its own understanding. However, as members of the government, they must also have a responsibility.”

The insistence of the Malay-based political party may signal another big decision that is expected to have an impact on the government, he added.

Sivamurugan said the issue of Umno only wanting to play politics does not arise, as the matter has to be seen from the point of view of complying with the decrees of the Agong and Conference of Rulers on a parliamentary sitting.

“No, this matter needs to be seen from the perspective of the Agong’s order because Parliament is an important platform that plays a checks-and-balances role in the government.

“The insistence from Umno is aimed at ensuring the parliamentary session will not be delayed, and may give a signal that if it is delayed, Umno will make another big decision.”

During his National Recovery Plan announcement last week, Muhyiddin said Parliament will reconvene in September or October under Phase 3 of the Covid-19 exit strategy.

Once the country has achieved herd immunity, he added, parliamentary democracy can resume its functions.

“I give my commitment that parliamentary proceedings can be held in this phase (Phase 3) around September or October, where they will follow strict standard operating procedures.

“This has been my stance from the start: the parliamentary democratic system can function at the right time, when Covid-19 cases are under control and we have nearly reached herd immunity.

“I will hold to the principles of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.

There should not be any party raising anxiety and confusion among the public to the point that it disrupts the government’s duty to handle the pandemic.”

Last Sunday, Muhyiddin had also announced the setting up of a bipartisan committee comprising government and opposition representatives to study important aspects before the reconvening of Parliament.

“Whether it (the sitting) will be held in a hybrid format or physically will be referred to the current standing orders.”

He said it is not his intention to delay the reconvening of Parliament, but there are issues that need to be looked into carefully first.

He had received backing from Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who had on June 17 said the king did not set a date for Parliament to sit.

“The Agong in his decree said Parliament must reconvene as soon as possible; he did not decree that it be done in a specific month.

“The prime minister also said September or October (for Parliament to sit). Now, we are close to the end of June. After this, July, August, September... it is close.”

However, reports have been lodged over Takiyuddin’s statement, and an investigation launched. – The Vibes, June 22, 2021

Additional reporting by Ian McIntyre