KUALA LUMPUR – A hybrid Parliament sitting can be expected at the end of August, or in the first week of September at the latest.
Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun in a joint statement today said preparations in terms of the legislative, administrative and technical aspects, among others, must first be done to ensure a smooth sitting.
If all the legislative aspects are sorted out by end-July and approved by the relevant committees, a special parliamentary session will be convened in early August prior to the hybrid sitting, they said.
“The special Parliament session is important to ensure that all MPs are involved in detailing the resolutions to be adopted relating to the proposal to hold the hybrid sitting, including several amendments to the Standing Orders, defining ‘virtual sitting’ and standardising MPs’ responsibilities.
“If the proposal is accepted by both the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat, only a short time is needed for Parliament to complete the procurement of supply, integrate the hybrid sitting system with the existing one, conduct a trial run, and accredit and train the staff involved, as well as MPs.”
Rais and Azhar are co-chairing the Special Steering Committee on a Hybrid Parliament Sitting, which also comprises their deputies, the secretaries of both chambers, and the Parliament secretariat.
Taking into consideration the Covid-19 situation and movement controls currently in place, the committee has studied and scrutinised the technology and methods required to conduct a hybrid sitting.
Generally, it will involve the in-person attendance of at least 26 MPs in the Dewan Rakyat and 10 senators in the Dewan Negara to meet the quorum.
The remaining members will have the option of either attending the sitting in person or virtually, subject to National Security Council or Health Ministry regulations.
The statement said the prime minister, as leader of the House, was yesterday notified of the preparations, and gave a good response.
“Upholding the decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for Parliament to reconvene as soon as possible, and taking note of the commitment and power of the prime minister, as leader of the House, to set the date for the sitting… the special committee is committed to doing its level best to have the facilities ready for the hybrid sitting to be held as soon as possible.” – Bernama, June 25, 2021
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