Parliament sitting in May to abide by MCO rules

Parliament will come up with the necessary steps as a precaution for the upcoming Dewan Rakyat meeting in May, said Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Parliament said a few approaches have also been taken into consideration based on the development of the second phase of the movement control order (MCO), as well as the enhanced MCO.

“The main focus of the government is to ensure the safety of everyone, including lawmakers.

“Therefore, all parties need to give their full cooperation to the frontliners who are working hard to curb the pandemic by following the instruction from the authorities,” he said in a brief statement yesterday.

The Dewan Rakyat is set to have its first meeting of the third session of the 14th Parliament on Monday, May 18.

The House will sit for 15 days. However, there are concerns that the government’s MCO, which is to end on April 14, may be extended to a further date to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said Parliament will look at the best possible ways to ensure the safety of everyone when it convenes in May.

Mohamad Ariff said Parliament is looking at all the best ways to meet in May while abiding by the laws as well.

“We will take proactive measures in terms of public health and will ensure good practices to curb the spread of Covid-19 as advised by the relevant agencies,” he added.

Dewan Rakyat Secretary Riduan Rahmat said Parliament will seek the advice of the Health Ministry as well as the National Security Council.

“Other decisions will be made after discussing with the relevant authorities.

“Discussions will also be held with the Prime Minister,” said Riduan.

Riduan, however, said that in a meeting held with Takiyuddin, it was noted that more discussions would be held should the MCO be extended.

Takiyuddin, said Riduan, will have a discussion with the Attorney General on the legal implications should the MCO be extended beyond June 5.

Article 55 (1) of the Federal Constitution notes that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall summon Parliament and “shall not allow six months to elapse between the last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first meeting in the next session”.

The third meeting of the second session of the 14th Parliament sitting took place from Oct 7 to Dec 5 last year.