KUALA LUMPUR – Seeing that none of the MPs who tested positive for Covid-19 got it from Parliament during its 55-day sitting last year, opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan has slammed the government for not calling for a sitting.
It also said that if the spread of Covid-19 is an obstacle, data and evidence show that during the 55-days of Parliament’s last sitting, none of the MPs caused a cluster originating from the house.
“It must be highlighted that, during that time, not one MP received immunisation.
“This shows that the steps and SOPs implemented for Parliament's sitting in 2020 are effective,” the statement said.
This comes after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s statement that the cabinet has yet to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to reconvene Parliament.
“All of the excuses given are weak and fail to respect the royal proclamation on February 24, which said Parliament can reconvene while the state of emergency is still at play,” PH said.
PH contends that the main reason to reconvene Parliament is to address pressing issues and hardships currently faced by the people.
“Confusion over SOPs, anger among the public over special treatment of VIPs in SOP enforcement, and the failure to distribute aid to the rakyat are among the reasons why Parliament should reconvene,” the statement said.
The statement by the coalition today was endorsed by PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Amanah secretary-general Datuk Hatta Ramli and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke. – The Vibes, March 3, 2021
