Ahmad Maslan calls for Parliament to reconvene as more activities, like bazaars, allowed

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has joined the chorus calling for the reconvening of Parliament after Ramadan bazaars are allowed to open.

On his social media platforms, Ahmad, who is also Pontian MP, said it is up to cabinet to give the Yang di-Pertuan Agong the right advice on reconvening parliamentary sittings.

“The people’s voice on the reopening of Parliament is getting louder. 

“If Ramadan bazaars, schools and the economy are reopened, it is not wrong to question why Parliament isn’t reconvening. #SuaraRakyat”

Suara #rakyat agar #Parlimen dibuka semakin kuat didengar

Kini terletak di tangan Kabinet utk memberi nasihat yg tepat kpd KDYMM SPB YDP Agong

Jika #BazarRamadan akan dibuka, sekolah sudah, ekonomi juga, tentulah tidak salah bertanya kenapa Parlimen belum

Suarakan #SuaraRakyat pic.twitter.com/ULxQ080TT3

— Ahmad b Maslan (@ahmadmaslan) March 18, 2021

He said that he is among the parliamentarians urging for the reconvening since January.

“I’m one of the MPs who debate often, asking questions and giving suggestions to the government.

“There are more than 100 MPs over the age of 60. But there are 120 MPs below 60. The quorum needed for Dewan Rakyat is only 26 MPs.

“It is best that it (Dewan Rakyat) convenes.” 

He also shared pictures of a flash mob that took place outside Parliament last Sunday.

Several civil society groups staged a demonstration outside Parliament to protest against the emergency ordinance on fake news that took effect more than a week ago.

More than a dozen activists, who identified themselves as the “Freedom of Expression Cluster”, turned up outside the building around 11am bearing placards rejecting the newly enforced Emergency (Essential Powers) (No. 2) Ordinance 2021.

The group had in a statement said it strongly disagrees with the ordinance’s gazettement and implementation.

“We come to the streets today to defend our fundamental constitutional right to expression, including the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to seek, receive and impart information of all kinds. At a time of a public health crisis, this right is more important than ever.

“We want to reclaim the democratic space that is increasingly shrinking in this country, and this ordinance has pushed the exercise of fundamental liberties to yet another edge that is not acceptable.

“The group also demands that the government lift the suspension of Parliament.” – The Vibes, March 18, 2021