Dr M: Parlimen Digital proves Dewan Rakyat can convene without MPs’ physical presence

Parlimen Digital is proof that the Dewan Rakyat could convene and conduct its business without the physical presence of MPs, especially given the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, said former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"I was following the Parlimen Digital debate on Facebook and was amazed at the initiative of a group of young people.

"They took part in discussions and discussed the proposals that were carried out objectively.

"This proves that under any circumstances, including in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Parliament could be convened via a digital platform through the teleconference method without having to (physically) attend the House of Representatives," he said.

Notably, the Langkawi MP did not comment on the action of the police in quizzing some of the participants of youth-led Parlimen Digital, in which 222 people were chosen to represent their parliamentary constituency to mirror a real Dewan Rakyat sitting.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim criticised the police action, saying in a tweet that young people should not be disturbed by the authorities and should instead be encouraged to celebrate democracy.

"I urge the home minister and the police to stop the pressure and immediately clarify this issue," he said.

Kampung Tunku assemblyperson Lim Yi Wei also called on authorities to celebrate Parlimen Digital instead of suppressing it, while Batu MP P Prabakaran, who was elected to Parliament at the age of 22, also responded by saying that he saw the Parlimen Digital initiative as a positive effort that could empower the youth of the country. - Mkini