In a statement, the Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the King had granted an audience to Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim and Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun today.

“His Majesty has stated his view that Parliament can convene during the emergency on a date that His Majesty deems suitable, on the advice of the prime minister.

“This is as enshrined under paragraph 14(1)(b) of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021, which states that Parliament must be called, prorogued and dissolved on a date deemed suitable by the King, on the advice of the prime minister.

“Hence, the perception by certain quarters that the implementation of the proclamation of emergency would stop Parliament from convening is inaccurate,” said Fadil.

He also maintained that the King’s consent to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s advice to declare an emergency on Jan 12 was purely a proactive measure to curb the spread of Covid-19.

During the audience with Rais and Azhar, the King also spoke of a need for MPs and senators to be more honourable and ethical in their debates and actions.

Sultan Abdullah thanked Putrajaya for its efforts in realising the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme and also expressed his gratitude to frontliners for their sacrifices in combating the pandemic.

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