Harapan: MPs went to Parliament to uphold Agong's decree

 

The Pakatan Harapan presidential council said the reason MPs attempted to enter Parliament yesterday was to uphold the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decree for the emergency ordinances to be debated in the Dewan Rakyat.

Police yesterday sealed off entrances to the Parliament, blocking MPs from entering the august House.

The police later claimed they had no problems with MPs going to Parliament but said they were trying to stop an "illegal" gathering there.

The Harapan presidential council said it instructed its MPs to lodge police reports for the obstructions and wants the police to reveal who was behind the order.

"Our intention of attending Parliament was only to uphold the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decree, in accordance with Article 150(3) of the Federal Constitution, for Parliament to debate and vote on the annulment of the emergency ordinances," they said in a joint statement.

The statement was signed by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the opposition leader, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

The Perikatan Nasional (PN) government initially refused to comply with the Agong's request and tried to revoke the emergency ordinances without his assent, prompting a royal rebuke.

Subsequently, the government suspended Parliament on grounds that Covid-19 cases were discovered during the sitting.

Critics accused the government of trying to prevent a vote in Parliament amid its uncertain majority.

However, the government today announced it is in discussions regarding complying with the Agong's request and may allow the emergency ordinances to be debated in Parliament - but only in September.

The Harapan leaders said they regret that the police were used to obstruct MPs, pointing out that blocking MPs from their duties is a crime under Section 124 of the Penal Code, which provides for up to seven years imprisonment and a fine.

They also pointed out that at the start of the current Parliament session, the House had approved a motion for the inspector-general of police to ensure free passage of MPs to enter Parliament.

The Harapan leaders also criticised Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun for failing to act on the incident. - Mkini