Tanjung Malim MP Chang Lih Kang has accused the Perikatan Nasional government of acting unconstitutionally by disallowing parliamentary debates on the emergency declaration at the forthcoming July 26 Dewan Rakyat sitting.
Chang cited Article 150 of the Federal Constitution, which states that an emergency declaration must be tabled before the lower and upper houses of Parliament and, if not already lifted prior to the sitting, lifted through motions approved at both levels.
"In other words, the emergency declaration must be tabled and voted on as soon as Parliament reconvenes.
"PN and Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin only took the first part of Article 150(3) to table the emergency declaration in Parliament, without giving room for MPs to debate and vote," he said.
Chang said his statement was made in response to a letter sent to all MPs ahead of the July 26 special sitting.
According to Chang, the letter confirmed initial reports that the sitting would be held over five days, with only three main agendas that do not include any debates by MPs.
The three agendas are tabling of the Jan 11 main emergency ordinance; tabling of two emergency ordinances dated Dec 12, 2020, to suspend the Gerik and Bugaya by-elections; and a one-way briefing from ministers in charge of the National Recovery Plan, vaccination programme, the emergency and economic relief packages.
Chang panned the one-way briefing as a waste of time and an insult to the Federal Constitution.
"This is an insult to the Federal Constitution.
"In order to defend his government that no longer commands a majority in the Dewan Rakyat, Muhyiddin is willing to sacrifice the highest law of the land," he said.
The government finally decided to call a special Parliament sitting on July 26, after repeated nudging by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Opposition MPs have expressed concern that the sitting would turn into a government "briefing session" as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) statement on the reconvening of Parliament made no mention of a debate.
The PMO said the sitting would also be to approve amendments to allow for a future hybrid Parliament sitting.
Parliament has been suspended since Jan 11 after a state of emergency was declared, purportedly to fight the Covid-19 pandemic - which has since worsened. - Mkini
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