Anwar likens one-day sitting to 'parlimen burung'

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said it was wrong to limit the upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting to one day in view of the federal government allowing most parts of the economy to resume business.

Speaking to supporters through an online broadcast today, Anwar said if Covid-19 was the main reason for holding a one-day sitting then it should be held online.

"It can be done. The question is whether they want to," he said.

"You can play golf, visit the betting shops and many other things. But Parliament is not allowed to sit (for more than a day)."

Anwar (below) said this when asked by a viewer on whether Malaysia could emulate the Maldives in moving their legislature online.

Parliament will convene on May 18. This will be the first sitting since Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as prime minister on March 1.

Muhyiddin became the prime minister after leading most Bersatu MPs out of the Pakatan Harapan to form a new coalition government with Umno, PAS, GPS and other smaller parties.

Anwar said there are many ways for Parliament to convene safely for more than a day, but the government chose not to.

"(The upcoming session) will be officiated by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, followed by recess, the reading of bills and that's it. No Q and A, no debates.

"What sort of Parliament is this? Parliamen burung (A parliament for birds)?" asked Anwar rhetorically. - Mkini