Penang assembly sitting will cut to half-day from April 17

The coming Penang legislative assembly (Dewan Negeri) meeting will be shortened to half a day and no honourary ceremonies will be held, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

At a press conference held in Komtar today, Chow (above) said the inauguration of the proceedings will begin with an address from Penang Governor Abdul Rahman Abbas.

"The House will (then) hear the chief ministerial speech and the Opposition leader (Muhammad Yusoff Mohd Noor) will be invited to speak.

"Oral questions raised by the members of the state assembly will be answered in writing, and the state legislative assembly proceedings will be broadcast live," said Chow.

The decision came after Chow chaired the weekly state executive council meeting in Komtar today.

One of the key points agreed upon by the exco members included the decision to hold the state legislative assembly meeting in Dewan Sri Pinang on April 17.

The movement control order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 may be over by then but Chow said the state will continue to implement public health measures.

In holding the state legislative assembly, Chow said his administration was complying to the Penang Constitution, Article 19 (1) which reads: "The Speaker of the State shall hold the House of Representatives proceedings from time to time and shall not allow six months to pass between the last sitting of a term and the date fixed for its first sitting at a later date."

The six month period expires on May 7. The assembly’s last session was held from Nov 1 to 8 last year.

Chow said the state assembly will convene at the Dewan Sri Pinang, while measures for disinfection, social distancing, and body temperature checks will be carried out on all parties attending the proceedings.

"Any individuals including unhealthy assemblypersons will be exempted from the proceedings.

"At the same time, the state legislature will also organise medical personnel to be on standby to handle attendees' health matters," Chow added. - Mkini