Speaker advises MPs to avoid large group meetings

PARLIAMENT | Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun has advised all parliamentarians to avoid holding meetings or gatherings in large groups whether within or outside of the Parliament building.

The advice issued based on recommendations from the Health Ministry follows a recent spike in Covid-19 infections, including new cases linked to individuals assigned to work in Parliament.

Azhar's message was read out by deputy speaker Azalina Othman Said to the MPs at the beginning of today's session.

"MPs are advised to limit your movements while out of Parliament throughout this current session, avoid attending large functions, being at a crowded place, and always follow the SOPs," said Azhar.

As an added precautionary measure, the speaker said all MPs and Parliament staff would be subjected to a Covid-19 screening every two weeks throughout this current six-week session.

"If there are any positive cases in the Parliament complex, the Health Ministry will evaluate the current SOPs.

"It must be reminded that any infections in Parliament may lead to the closure of the building if it was found there was a need to do so," he said.

The Parliament sitting for this week has been cut short to 1pm following the detection of several positive Covid-19 cases from a screening conducted before the session commenced on Monday.

Stricter regulations within the building have also been enforced, including limiting the number of media personnel allowed to cover the proceedings. - Mkini