No Parliament for two years during 1969 emergency - law minister

 

De facto Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan maintained that the government is functioning well even though Parliament has been suspended through an emergency proclamation that came into force on Jan 11.

He pointed out that during a separate emergency in 1969, Parliament did not sit for two years. 

Takiyuddin said this amid a push by the opposition for Parliament to reconvene.

"There was already a sitting last December where we approved the budget. Now it's May. It's only been four months. It is not an issue.

"In 1969, Parliament did not sit for two years, there were no problems for the government to function," he told a press conference in Kota Bharu today.

Also present were Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mustapa Mohamed, who is in charge of the Economic Planning Unit.

The 1969 emergency was declared following racial riots.

Earlier today, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it was now safe to reconvene Parliament as many MPs have been vaccinated for Covid-19. 

The government said the recent emergency was necessary to combat the pandemic but critics accused the government of trying to cling to power.

Takiyuddin had said such suggestions were "fake news", which the government has given itself sweeping powers to deal with under the emergency.

At the press conference today, Takiyuddin maintained that Parliament will only sit when the emergency expires in August.

However, he also acknowledged that the emergency ordinance allowed Parliament to be convened at any time deemed appropriate by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The Agong previously said Parliament can convene during the emergency but only if Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin advised him to do so. 

"The cabinet will provide its opinion based on facts and science... many in Parliament are from the high-risk group. I, too, am a senior citizen.

"So that will be considered," Takiyuddin said. - Mkini