[UPDATED] MPs at Dang Wangi to lodge report on Parliament closure

KUALA LUMPUR – Police violated the law when MPs were blocked from entering Parliament premises this morning, said Johor Baru MP Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir after lodging a report at Dang Wangi district police headquarters. 

Akmal cited Section 124, 124B and 124C of the Penal Code, which criminalises actions that intimidate MPs in their course of duty, as well as actions hindering the functioning of parliamentary democracy.

He added that it is crucial to determine who gave the orders to police to set up roadblocks near Parliament.

Also at Dang Wangi station, Batu MP P. Prabakaran told reporters that he was left confused over the decision to close Parliament, saying the Covid-19 outbreak excuse given is weak as most Parliament attendees are fully vaccinated.

“The government has a duty to ensure constitutional principles and democratic values are maintained, but they have failed.

“The Agong and the Conference of Rulers have decreed that parliament must sit and discuss matters pertaining to the emergency, ensuring parliamentary democracy stays alive,” Prabakaran said.

Earlier today police blocked roads heading to Parliament, ahead of the march by opposition MPs in a show of protest against the decision to suspend today’s session.

However, they were met with a barricade set up by the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU).

After giving a speech criticising the move, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered the crowd of MPs to disperse. – The Vibes, August 2, 2021