The Parliament will reopen later this month, the government announced today.

In a statement today, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that it would advise the Yang di-Pertuan to convene a Special Meeting of the third term of the 14th Malaysian Parliament for five days (July 26 to July 29, and August 2) for Dewan Rakyat, and three days (Aug 3-5) for Dewan Negara.

"This meeting will explain to Members of Parliament about the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and amendments to laws and rules to facilitate a hybrid Parliamentary sitting.

"According to the Article 150(3) of the Federal Constitution, the Emergency Proclamation and Emergency Ordinance issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be laid before both Houses of Parliament," read the statement.

The PMO assured that the sitting will take place according to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the National Security Council (MKN), and the Health Ministry.

"The cabinet has been notified of this matter."

PMO's statement comes following a decree by the Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah last week, that parliamentary sittings should reconvene before Aug 1.

The sittings were suspended since the proclamation of emergency on Jan 11, which Putrajaya said was to allow the government all necessary resources to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is worth noting that the Emergency Ordinance is due to end on Aug 1, or until the COVID-19 situation comes under control.

Previously, the King had decreed that Parliament should reconvene "as soon as possible", without specifying a timeline. The Council of Malay Rulers had decreed the same.




Photo source: Malaysiakini