KUALA LUMPUR - The Parliament building may be temporarily closed if there are further cases of Covid-19 being reported in the premises in the future, Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said.
MPs and their officers are also required to undergo biweekly Covid-19 screenings throughout the parliamentary sitting.
Azalina said these are among several proposals given by the Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah following the spike in cases in the country, and to ensure the safety of all parliamentarians.
“MPs and their staff have to undergo screening every two weeks, and the parliamentary administration will issue notices as a reminder.
“Also, if there are positive cases in the Parliament complex, the Health Ministry will conduct a valuation on the appropriate standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be implemented.
“It must be reminded that should there be infections in Parliament, then this may lead to the closure of the building if the need arises,” she said at the start of today’s proceedings.
This comes after an aide to a Dewan Negara senator tested positive for Covid-19, prompting the Dewan Rakyat to adjourn it's daily sitting this week at 1pm, instead of the usual 5.30pm.
Azalina said Noor Hisham has also advised MPs to limit their movement outside of Parliament throughout the current session, and to avoid attending crowded places and events, to minimise the risk of infection.
Additionally, MPs are told not to host any large-scale meetings and banquets, whether in the parliamentary compound or otherwise.
“If there is a need for a meeting or gathering, parliamentarians are urged to abide by all government SOPs,” she said. - The Vibes, November 4, 2020
