Agong: Parliament should reconvene as soon as possible - Malaysiakini

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong was of the opinion that Parliament should
reconvene as soon as possible to allow MPs to debate the emergency laws and the
National Recovery Plan.

In a statement after the special Conference of Rulers today, the palace said
that the Agong had come to this conclusion after hearing from heads of
political parties, the Special Independent Committee on Emergency 2021 and
briefings by government experts.

“His Majesty also expressed the view there needs to be a
strong and stable government that can function effectively to tackle the
Covid-19 pandemic and revive the economy.

“His Majesty is very mindful of the parliament’s role as
an important platform for elected representatives to meet and discuss various
issues particularly those pertaining to the spread of Covid-19.

“MPs can discuss government expenditures for helping people in
need and revive the country’s economy,” said Comptroller of the Royal
Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin in the statement.

The statement comes following a series of meetings between Yang
di-Pertuan Agong Abdullah Ahmad Shah with 18 political leaders between June 9
and June 15, culminating in the Conference of Rulers meeting today.

Parliament has been suspended since the proclamation of emergency in force since Jan 11. It is due to end on Aug 1, subject to advise of the independent committee on whether it can be lifted earlier.

According to the National Recovery Plan announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday, parliament would reconvene during the third phase of Malaysia’s recovery from the current lockdown.

The criteria to meet to enter this phase is to have an average of fewer than 2,000 Covid-19 cases daily, “sufficient” ICU capacity, and at least 40 percent of the population completing their Covid-19 vaccination.

This is expected to be reached in September or October.

[More to follow]