KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s democracy is “ill and Covid-infected” as Parliament remains closed, said Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
The Umno secretary-general added that lawmakers’ voices have been “quarantined” and democracy is nearly dead, tarnishing the country’s image on the global stage.
His condemnation comes after the postponement of Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara sittings this week, with the government citing Covid-19 concerns.
“Yes, Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy has been Covid-infected. Parliamentarians could speak for only five minutes after waiting seven months. The voices of MPs have been quarantined,” he tweeted today.
“The people understand this as a political excuse. The Dewan Negara was supposed to sit today, but it has been delayed. This is unhealthy for our image in the eyes of the world.”
This morning, senators aligned with the opposition bloc protested against the suspension of the Dewan Negara session, alleging political interference even in the upper chamber of the House.
This comes just a day after MPs staged a sizeable demonstration following the government’s order for Parliament to close in a move that has been described by many lawmakers as the death of democracy. – The Vibes, August 3, 2021
