KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has trolled the government’s decision to delay Dewan Rakyat meetings until August 1, saying that it will trigger public wrath towards “science and data”.
In a gibe at de facto law minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who announced the decision, Najib said that based on the government’s data, opening up cinemas, schools and night markets does not seem to be as dangerous as a parliamentary sitting.
“Among the main reasons that they said parliamentary sessions are not allowed until August 1 is science and data,” said Najib, who is Pekan MP, in a Facebook post today.
“Thus, many are disappointed with the science and data which state that meetings in the Dewan Rakyat are far more dangerous compared to watching movies in cinemas, students attending schools, visiting the night markets, preparing for elections in hotels, or organising ceremonies to accept statutory declarations of defecting members of Parliament,” said Najib.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced yesterday that events and social activities, such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, and retreats, among others, are allowed from March 5 onwards.
The service sector, including restaurants and businesses offering beauty and health services including manicures, pedicures and facials, will also be allowed to operate.
The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) later announced that cinemas can also resume operations.
Last week, the Agong issued a decree saying that Parliament can convene during the emergency period.
However, Takiyuddin today said that the cabinet will not be pushing for Parliament to reconvene until the state of emergency ends on August 1.
Speaking at a press conference, he said the cabinet is advising the king, who has the authority to enact laws through the emergency ordinance, against allowing any parliamentary sitting during the emergency.
Calling for a Parliament sitting must adhere to the cabinet’s decision, he said, and the cabinet is advising against it. – The Vibes, March 3, 2021
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