KUALA LUMPUR – Umno lawmakers will withdraw support en masse, and its ministers, deputy ministers and government-linked company heads will resign if the Perikatan Nasional administration pushes for an extension of the emergency declared over Covid-19, said party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said Umno MPs will make known the party’s stand on the need for lawmakers to debate during the special parliamentary sitting that starts today, and on repealing the emergency proclamation and its ordinances.
This is in line with the party’s resolution on April 25.
In a statement last night, Zahid cited the people’s rejection of the emergency and its ordinances, as well as the country’s economic issues, and double standards when it comes to handing out penalties for flouting Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
The emergency is seen as having failed to curb the pandemic. It is seen as political manoeuvres and tools to sterilise our parliamentary system.
“The federal constitution requires the emergency proclamation and its ordinances to not only be debated, but also, to determine its validity.
“If the proclamation is not revoked, the constitution provides for a six-month extension as per Article 150(3).
“We are in support of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Malay rulers’ decree that there is no need for an emergency extension.”
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun said all 220 MPs are allowed to attend the special five-day sitting.
The proposal to conduct a hybrid meet has been deferred, he said, and the matter will not be discussed when the House convenes from today to Thursday, and on August 2.
As such, he said, there is no limit on the number of lawmakers allowed in the chamber, and all MPs can attend – including those yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
There are 222 seats in the august House, but two are vacant following the deaths of their holders.
“The question of implementing a hybrid Parliament session will not be discussed during the special meeting. We will defer the proposal for it to be further refined in terms of the requirements 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 person) or cannot attend due to Covid-19.
“We think the proposal to implement a hybrid Parliament will make it safer for everyone.”
He said almost all MPs have been vaccinated, with the latest data showing that 205 have received both doses, one dose (12) and unvaccinated (3).
On the special sitting’s agenda, he said only matters set by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be discussed, with no other motions allowed. – The Vibes, July 26, 2021
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