KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 – Pemuda UMNO views seriously the statement of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan that there will no Parliament sitting until the emergency ends on August 1 to enable the government contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dususki said, this decision contradicts the decree by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah who earlier said that Parliament can sit during the emergency period effective on a date deemed appropriate by His Majesty on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The matter is enshrined in subparagraph 14 (1) (b) of the Emergency Ordinance (Necessary Powers) 2021 which states that Parliament should be called, prorogued and dissolved on a date as deemed appropriate by His Majesty on the advice of the Prime Minister.

Pemuda is of the opinion that Parliament should be allowed to sit with strict SOPs in enabling the effectiveness of check and balance mechanisms for the government as practiced by democracy.

“Of course, the people find it difficult to accept the reason for the postponement of Parliament, that most Members of Parliament belong to high risk group. While the night market, shopping malls, eateries, restaurants and even primary and secondary schools are allowed to operate during the emergency period. In fact, the vaccination process has already started for MPs.

“The government should not be seen as afraid to do so.”

Therefore, he added that Pemuda has once again requested that the government review the decision to postpone Parliament session and respect the advice of His Majesty the King.

Yesterday, Takiyuddin said the Parliamentary session was not suspended but postponed due to “legal factors, science and current COVID-19 pandemic data”, and for the government’s efforts in containing the to runs smoothly.