GEORGE TOWN – Penang must rank fighting Covid-19 as its topmost agenda if it wants to hold its state assembly within the quickest time possible, said Penang Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang.
In an interview with The Vibes, Law said the state is ready to set a date once it receives a response from Istana Negara.
A state delegation led by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had recently called on Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak seeking the latter’s consent to dispatch a letter to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah seeking the king’s permission to reconvene the Penang assembly this year.
Under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021, this is permissible.
Law said Penang’s honourable intentions should not be misconstrued as playing politics, as it is purely focused on the pressing need to discuss the pandemic.
The state can find new suggestions or fine-tune existing policies to combat the virus should the state assembly be allowed to sit.
Penang continues to struggle against Covid-19, with a caseload of over 30,000 infections and 114 deaths.
“We will decide the date right after we receive the response from Istana Negara, as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is aware that the state governor has forwarded our intention,” said Law.
He assured the public that the legislative office will incorporate all standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the sittings to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Similar to the last sitting in October, the state assembly will follow every SOP set by the authorities, he said, adding that the state government hopes the sittings can commence next month.
Backbencher and Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong said he is looking forward to making suggestions to help the state fight the virus.
“I think some suggestions can be sorted out at the state level.
“There is no need to enlist federal help as we have the resources to help both the public and private sectors in Penang come together and fight Covid-19. Kita jaga kita.”
Earlier, Chow said the state will use provisions under the emergency ordinance to submit a humble request to the king.
He said the state will adopt measures applied during the sitting in October last year, which were proven to be successful in controlling the virus. – The Vibes, June 23, 2021
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