PM affirms dissolving Parliament post-pandemic, no mention of reconvening for now

PRIME Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin reiterated his commitment to democracy and vowed to dissolve the Parliament once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides to a manageable level.

However, Muhyiddin made no mention on when he would reconvene Parliamentary sittings, despite consent from Istana Negara.

“The main focus of the Government, at this moment, is to steer this country clear of the double whammy of health and economic crises. Once the pandemic is over, which I hope will be very soon, I will advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve the Parliament.

“Until such time, my colleagues in the Cabinet and I will continue to carry out our duties and responsibilities to the best of our ability.

“We will leave it to the people to decide whether the Perikatan Nasional Government should be re-elected or otherwise. You are free to choose and that is what democracy is all about,” Muhyiddin said in a live telecast today.

On Jan 12, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah ibni Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Shah consented to Muhyiddin’s request to proclaim an Emergency to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Following the matter, Muhyiddin decided to prorogue the Parliament, assuring the public that he would call for snap polls once the pandemic gets under control.

However, several quarters, including his own allies, have criticised the move and accused the Pagoh MP of trying to subvert democracy as the latter had lost majority support from the Dewan Rakyat.

Last week, Istana Negara issued a statement saying that Sultan Abdullah has no issues with having Parliamentary sitting resuming as usual, following a meeting with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun and Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim.

Get yourselves vaccinated

Touching on the matter, Muhyiddin reminded his critics that he understands what democracy is, adding none of the Ordinances enacted would allow him to stay as Prime Minister forever.

“In fact, this is the first time in our nation’s history where our Emergency has an expiry date,” he stated.

The Pagoh MP added that the Government had also established a Special Committee, comprised of Government and Opposition lawmakers, to advise Istana Negara on the pandemic situation constantly and when the Emergency can be lifted.

“And once the pandemic subsides, I will advise Sultan Abdullah to dissolve the Parliament. In the meantime, please give the Government enough room for us to focus on our work on eradicating the pandemic,” he appealed.

On related matter, Muhyiddin urged the public to get themselves vaccinated, by registering under the MySejahtera application.

“I have taken the first dose and Alhamdulillah, I feel fine, still eating well and can work as usual. If the vaccine is safe on me, InsyaAllah, it will be safe on all of you too,” he remarked. – Feb 3, 2021

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