PH MPs on bipartisan committee want Parliament to reconvene

PH MPs on bipartisan committee want Parliament to reconvene

Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Dzulkefly Ahmad and Loke Siew Fook say they will forward their proposal to the panel and hope the King will consent.

The Pakatan Harapan MPs on the emergency committee say Parliament should sit to discuss the Covid-19 measures and to reassure foreign investors. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
Opposition MPs in the independent committee set up to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the emergency say they will seek consent from the King to reconvene Parliament to ensure checks and balances of those in the government.

In a statement, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Dzulkefly Ahmad and Loke Siew Fook said parliamentary sittings would allow debates on the best way to curtail the spread of Covid-19, and also to assure foreign investors of the country’s stability.

“It would give confidence to the outside world and foreign investors that Malaysia is committed to parliamentary democracy and the rule of law,” the Pakatan Harapan MPs said.

“We plan to make these recommendations to the committee soon and we hope the Yang di-Pertuan Agong would consent.”

The prime minister, in announcing the committee in January, outlined its two roles – to ensure the emergency is enforced fairly and to determine when the next general election could be held.

The committee will also advise the King if the emergency should end earlier than scheduled on Aug 1.

The bipartisan committee comprises former chief justice Arifin Zakaria, former chief secretary to the government Samsudin Osman and former inspector-general of police Norian Mai.

Other members include government MPs and health experts.

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