Tok Mat warns against setting ‘conditions’ for parliament debates

PETALING JAYA: Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has cautioned against the setting of conditions for debates when the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes, saying it would be undemocratic and contradict parliamentary freedoms.

“The Dewan Rakyat must play its role in line with the doctrine of the separation of powers.

“When Parliament convenes, any matter should be allowed to be debated in accordance with the standing orders,” he said in a statement today.

Mohamad added that Umno has been consistent and clear in its stand that the royal institution must be protected and democracy restored through Parliament.

Yesterday, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi gave the Perikatan Nasional-led government 14 days to convene Parliament based on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s call for it to reopen as soon as possible.

After that, he said, the Umno Supreme Council would decide on the next move.

Mohamad said today whatever Umno decides must be in line with the mandate given by the party’s annual general assembly and discussed collectively by the Supreme Council.

This, he said, includes Umno’s position in the government, the rejection of cooperation with certain parties and individuals, and the party’s stand on several issues.

Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man in commenting on Zahid’s ultimatum, said the Islamist party also agreed that Parliament needs to be held.

However, he said, as a party that had been in government for a long time, Umno must realise the procedures in place for the reconvening of Parliament.

“There are certain rules including the issuance of a notice to MPs to submit their questions and to convene sittings. This will take time.

“Preparations to ensure the safety of MPs and adherence to SOPs under the movement control order must be made.”

In any case, Tuan Ibrahim said Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s statement on the government’s readiness to reconvene Parliament reflected the government’s readiness to answer the King’s call.

Federal territories minister Annuar Musa shared similar sentiments, describing Umno’s ultimatum as “improper” and said the party should have played it more “coolly”.

The former Barisan Nasional secretary-general said in a tweet the move would backfire on the party as it made them look like they were in a rush as there were procedures to follow in reconvening Parliament. — Free Malaysia Today