Rais Yatim says special committee studying concept, method of hybrid Parliament sittings

• Published date: 07 June 2021
• Publication title: Malay Mail Online

A Special Committee is looking into the concept and method for implementing hybrid Parliament sittings, including by taking into account the experiences of legislative bodies in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia, said Dewan Negara President Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim.

He said several key aspects are being analysed by the committee, particularly in terms of interpretation and implementation, for adaptation to avoid violating the standard operating procedure (SOP) which is in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.

'This is because the concept and procedure involve various implications, not only from the legal aspects such as the Standing Orders of both Houses of Parliament but also new stipulations on the behaviour and conduct of Members of Parliament (MPs), besides matters of infrastructure and legislative tools,' he said in a statement today.

According to Rais, the Special Committee, whose members include the Dewan Negara President, Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Dewan Negara Deputy President, both Deputy Speakers of Dewan Rakyat and Parliament chief administrator, will conduct a follow-up meeting tomorrow.

He said the Special Committee has specifically taken into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country and the need for continuity of the people's voice in Parliament, in line with the system of constitutional monarchy government.

'Besides that, the Special Committee is also considering the implications of the enforcement of the...