KUALA LUMPUR – Umno’s Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has issued a fiery response to party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s 14-day ultimatum for the Perikatan Nasional government to reconvene Parliament.
“What is he going to do if Parliament is unable to convene after 14 days?”
In a press conference today, the Arau MP said while he agrees with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s call for a parliamentary sitting to be held, this requires a 28-day notice, as stipulated in the Dewan Rakyat’s Standing Orders.
“I believe the Agong wants the reconvening of Parliament to go through the proper rules. Parliament should be reconvened according to the existing rules.
“Perhaps, under the emergency ordinance, it can be hurried, but let’s stick to the rules to avoid any clashes. As MPs, we are the ones who should be asking for Parliament to be reconvened sooner.
“The rakyat are the ones asking for Parliament to sit soon, not Umno’s political bureau (issuing ultimatums instead).”
Shahidan, who is also PN Backbenchers’ Club chairman and former Perlis Umno chief, reminded that the party is part of the government, with close to 20 of its lawmakers made ministers and deputy ministers.
“We should not be talking like how (opposition leader Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) or DAP talks. Umno should speak like it is part of a coalition.
“They could have appealed on this matter internally to the head of the government. Issuing an open statement does not augur well for the government at all.”
He advised Zahid to hold talks with Prime Minister and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the 14-day demand, so that the matter can be resolved internally.
“If Umno decides to pull out of the government after the 14-day period, it is tantamount to back-pedalling on the stand made by the party at its general assembly, where it said it will be part of the PN government until the next general election.
“Secondly, I’m saying, no Anwar, no DAP. Any support for them is also an ‘offence’.”
Shahidan’s comments come after Zahid yesterday gave PN two weeks to reconvene Parliament, failing which, Umno will call a Supreme Council meeting to discuss its next step.
In a statement, Zahid said the Barisan Nasional lynchpin fully supports the Agong and Conference of Rulers’ decrees on a parliamentary sitting.
The government’s failure to heed the decrees is considered a form of rebellion and disrespect to the institution of the Malay rulers, he said. – The Vibes, June 22, 2021
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