KUALA LUMPUR – All 220 parliamentarians are allowed to attend the special meeting of the third session of the 14th Parliament tomorrow, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun.
He said the proposal to conduct a hybrid meeting has been deferred, and the matter will not be discussed during the five-day special sitting from July 26 to 29, and on August 2.
As such, he added, there is no limit on the number of MPs allowed in the Dewan Rakyat, and all elected representatives can attend, including those who have yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
There are 222 seats in the august House, but two are vacant following the deaths of their representatives.
“The question of implementing a hybrid Parliament session will not be discussed during the special meeting, and we will defer the proposal for it to be further refined in terms of requirement of the law and the like. This is the current status,” said Azhar.
“The hybrid Parliament proposal is for the benefit of those who may not be able to turn up (in the Dewan Rakyat) or cannot attend due to Covid-19.
“We think the proposal to implement a hybrid Parliament will make it safer for everyone.”
Azhar said almost all MPs have been vaccinated, with the latest data showing that 205 parliamentarians have received both doses, 12 received one dose, and three yet to be vaccinated.
On the agenda of the special sitting, Azhar said only matters set by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be discussed and no other motions will be allowed.
Unlike a regular Dewan Rakyat sitting, he said the special session is convened based on Standing Order 11(3) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders, which empowers the prime minister to set the agenda of the meeting. – Bernama, July 25, 2021
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