KUALA LUMPUR – G25 has launched a petition calling for an immediate reconvening of Parliament, beseeching the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to advise the prime minister to do so.
Days ago, G25, which comprises a group of former top civil servants, set up a Change.org petition, which picked up momentum this afternoon, gaining more than 1,400 signatures in the span of hours.
The group in a statement said it supports the growing public sentiment that the country is facing a health crisis despite the emergency proclamation, as well as a surge in Covid-19 infections, hospitalisation and deaths.
In the description of the petition, it said there is a need for Parliament to be “urgently” reconvened to deliberate on the crisis and build a national consensus on measures to be taken to protect the people and their future.
It reminded Putrajaya that Parliament must be reconvened as soon as possible after a proclamation of emergency as mandated by Clause (3) of Article 150 in the federal constitution.
The group said any emergency ordinance must be laid before Parliament for scrutiny and approval, and that the oversight role of the august house over the executive branch during an emergency, as enshrined by Article 150, must be respected.
“In dealing with a crisis of this magnitude, which is unprecedented in our nation’s history, the government needs to rally the people to be united in facing the hard decisions affecting their lives.
“This unity can be realised only if the elected representatives of the people are given the opportunity to speak their minds openly in the highest institution of government, which is Parliament.”
G25 co-founder Datuk Noor Farida Mohd Ariffin confirmed that the group has launched the petition.
“Yes, the petition is done by G25,” she said in a text message to The Vibes.
G25 said there will be less cynicism and conspiracy theories from Malaysians and foreigners about the government’s real intentions if parliamentary sittings are held, with the accountability and transparency of ministers being put to the test on the floor.
“Reconvening Parliament will go a long way towards removing the cloud of suspicion hanging over our government, and we can move as one nation to win the war against Covid-19.
“Malaysia is also the only country in the world that has suspended its Parliament and state legislatures for as long as it has to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Netizen N. Balqis, who signed the petition, said: “I’m signing because this government needs to be (held) accountable for the chaos in this country.”
User DRC KL, meanwhile, said Malaysia needs a legitimate government.
“I love my country and Malaysia needs proper & legit governance,” said the user.
“Suspension of Parliament is ridiculous and makes no sense at all. Never did!” – The Vibes, June 6, 2021
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