Speaker: Parliament Could Be Closed if Covid-19 Spread Confirmed

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Parliament could be closed if there is confirmation of the spread of Covid-19 on its premises, said Azhar Azizan Harun.

Shafwan Zaidon

“Parliament could be closed if there are Covid-19 infections in Parliament,” the Dewan Rakyat speaker said in a statement at the start of today’s session.

Azhar’s statement was read out by Deputy Speaker Azalina Othman Said.

Azhar said this directive followed a meeting with Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah yesterday.

He said the Health Ministry also advised that more precautionary measures be imposed to ensure Parliament is free from Covid-19.

“MPs are advised not to have meetings involving many people within and without Parliament. If they have to attend such meetings, they have to adhere to all the National Security Council and Health Ministry’s standard operating procedures,” said Azhar.

He said that the ministry also advised MPs to limit their movements outside Parliament and avoid large gatherings and crowded places.

“On top of that, Parliament staff and lawmakers will undergo Covid-19 tests every two weeks. Parliament will issue notices from time to time.

“And, if there are more positive cases, the Health Ministry will reevaluate the SOP for Parliament.”

On the first day of this session’s Parliament on Monday, a Dewan Negara staff and a media personnel tested positive for Covid-19.

The Parliament session ended at 1pm that day, as well as yesterday. – TMI