Covid-19 infections in Parliament under control, says Deputy Speaker

 

PETALING JAYA: There have been reports of several positive Covid-19 cases among Parliament staff ahead of the five-day briefing session for MPs beginning July 26.

According to a source, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, said that the positive cases have exposed a large group of people who are close contacts of the cases.

The source also said that the virus had spread to several auxiliary police and Public Accounts Committee officers as well.

He added some 15 individuals had experienced Covid-19 symptoms including coughing and sore throat, causing some worry that it might have some impact on the reopening of Parliament on July 26.

Meanwhile, Malay daily Berita Harian quoted Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon as saying that the cases would not disrupt the scheduled Parliament session.

"This situation would not affect the special Parliamentary session; besides, the situation here is all under control and being managed by the district health office.

"They (positive cases and close contacts) are now undergoing self-quarantine at their own home," he told the Malay daily.

The upcoming Parliament meeting will consist of a special five-day briefing session for MPs beginning July 26, and two separate meetings that will take place for 15 and 32 days, respectively, from September onwards, says Datuk Azhar Azizah Harun.

The Dewan Rakyat Speaker said he was informed on Thursday (July 15) by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin that for public interest, a special meeting must be held in accordance with Standing Orders 11(3).

Azhar said Dewan Rakyat secretary Dr Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin will issue a notice on the special meeting to all MPs that it will sit for five days beginning Monday (July 26) till Thursday (July 29) and Monday (Aug 2) again, beginning at 10am.

The upcoming Parliament session will be closely watched by the public, as Perikatan Nasional has a slim majority of 115 MPs, with Barisan Nasional accounting for 42 MPs. - Star