End emergency, says Penang speaker as NSC rejects state assembly sitting

 

The National Security Council (NSC) has rejected the Penang government’s application to hold a state legislative assembly sitting, citing the ongoing state of emergency and the recent increase in Covid-19 cases.

In response, Penang assembly speaker Law Choo Kiang called for the termination of the Emergency Ordinance to allow for a resumption of state governance activities.

“I hope the Emergency Ordinance is terminated as soon as possible to allow the Penang state legislative assembly to resume normal operations as enshrined in the state constitution,” he said in a statement today.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on advice from the government, had previously declared a state of emergency until Aug 1 to curb the spread of Covid-19.

All legislative branches of government were then suspended although the king has said that Parliament can convene on the government’s request.

Law said the application to the NSC was made on April 23 after obtaining advice from the Attorney-General's Chambers through the Penang state Legal Adviser’s Office.

“In the application letter, I expressed my intention to hold a state legislative assembly conference in June 2021 to approve the motion of lowering the age of election candidates to 18 as well as several other pending motions,” he said.

However, he said the NSC replied that after an in-depth discussion by the Emergency Management Technical Committee, it was decided that it was not appropriate for the Penang state assembly to convene.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had previously argued that Section 15(1)(b) of the Emergency Ordinance provides for a state assembly meeting to be called through a recommendation of the state governor to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, this even if Parliament is not sitting. - Mkini