The Dewan Rakyat is expected to proceed on May 18 even if the movement control order (MCO) is still in effect, however, under controlled conditions.
According to Deputy Speaker Mohd Rashid Hasnon, Parliament sitting must be held before June 5 or within six months from the last sitting.
The country has been under a partial shutdown MCO since March 18 in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak. The MCO has been extended twice, with the current extension slated to end of April 28.
“If the country is still under MCO, Parliament will ensure it goes on but with tight control measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“Currently, the Dewan Rakyat will sit at the current set date. If by that time, the MCO is in force, the proceedings will go on. We are prepared for the sitting,” he is quoted saying by Berita Harian yesterday.
He explained that tight control could mean only parliamentarians, special government officers and ministers would be allowed in Parliament when it is in session.
When questioned if media personnel would be allowed in, he said the matter would be at the discretion of the speaker.
Berita Harian further reported national news agency Bernama and national broadcaster RTM are expected to be allowed to cover proceedings if the MCO is extended to then.
Mohd Rashid added that when the sitting does resume, the king’s address and Supplementary Supply Bill would be among the main agendas.
Meanwhile, it was recently reported that Perikatan Nasional (PN) will nominate Penggerang MP Azalina Othman Said to replace Teluk Intan MP Nga Kor Ming as the Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker.
Mohd Rashid, meanwhile, declined to comment on the matter, nor of the possible replacement of Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof as House speaker.
The last Parliament sitting was held on June 5. It was supposed to have resumed on March 9, however, was postponed following the ouster of the Pakatan Harapan government by PN. – Malaysiakini