In a statement, he said the government made the decision based on current circumstances and developments, especially those involved in controlling and ending the pandemic threat.

It is also looking at helping the rakyat deal with short-term effects of Covid-19.

“Government decisions are also based on the rules and regulations available and there is a need to take into account the needs, views and sentiments of all parties, whether formally or directly, unofficial or otherwise,” he said.

Due to that, the government is not ready to take risks based on the decisions of other countries that have yet to handle the outbreak.

The PH presidential council, on April 23, had said the announcement made by the Dewan Rakyat secretary for the sitting to last for only a day had in itself breached parliamentary rules and suggested the sitting be held for at least two days.

It said technological options, emulating lawmakers in the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore, could be used, with some MPs allowed into the lower house and others participating through video conferencing.

The council had added that parliamentary rules could be amended to allow this option, pointing out the role of parliamentarians as pillars of democracy and as a check and balance.

Takiyuddin said Putrajaya is not competing to see who is more popular, but looking at effective priorities in dealing with the virus, adding that the government will be guided by the health ministry on this matter.

Fake or not? Check our quick fake news buster here.