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PETALING JAYA: Pejuang has criticized a ruling that only 80 of the 222 MPs will be allowed to enter the Dewan Rakyat at any time from tomorrow, and accused the government of taking the “easy way out” by not holding virtual sessions.
A statement by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and the other three MPs from his new party said that the decision to limit the number of MPs to prevent the spread of Covid-19 was unfounded.
This as had been summoned by the Dewan Rakyat during the pandemic before with SOP as translucent barriers between the parliamentarians and the seats placed further apart.
“As an alternative, the sessions can be held virtually to ensure that they run smoothly without hampering the debate of the deputies,” Pejuang said in a statement.
“The rakyat have been told to look for alternative ways of working or working online, but the government itself is taking the easy way out.”
Last month, the government ordered public and private sector workers in the states under the conditional movement control order (CMCO) to work from home in light of the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.
Stating that they were not consulted before the decision to limit the number of MPs was made, Pejuang said that the participation of elected representatives in tomorrow’s budget presentation would help ensure accountability.
In announcing the ruling today, Vice President Rashid Hasnon said that 41 of the 80 MPs will be from Perikatan Nasional (PN) and the rest from the opposition and independents.
The four deputies of Pejuang form an independent bloc.
Sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Monday to stop the spread of Covid-19 in Parliament after seven members of Parliament’s staff tested positive for Covid-19.
