The Pakatan Harapan presidential council pressed the government today for a two-week meeting of Parliament starting May 18 to examine economic and public welfare matters under the Covid-19 pandemic.
The first meeting of the year, which was delayed from March, has been truncated to a one-day sitting on May 18.
In a statement today, the presidential council said all standard operating procedures implemented by the Dewan Rakyat for the one-day sitting on May 18 can be used to extend the sitting to two weeks.
The council noted the federal government’s decision to allow several economic sectors to operate again during the fourth phase of the movement control order (MCO) beginning April 29 subjected to standing operating procedures (SOP) imposed previously.
“Covid-19’s effect on the country’s economy is significant and many companies have lost their source of income and there are many who may also lose their jobs.
“The Bar Council and a number of business associations have also urged for several Acts to be amended or new laws to be passed to handle these problems and to ensure the economic sector can function properly.
“Problems faced by the rakyat also need attention specifically from Parliament which includes welfare issues, employment as well as check and balance on the government to ensure transparency in the management and the responsibility of the executive,” the council said in a statement.
“We also urge for some other changes to allow the sitting to continue, including having a virtual sitting with a reduced number of lawmakers, without affecting the quorum and voting percentage of each party,” said PH leaders today.
The statement was signed by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
Thousands have also supported a petition started by former Umno MP Tawfik Ismail calling for a virtual sitting.