KUALA LUMPUR (May 4): As the federal government relaxes the movement control order (MCO) from today to allow nearly all economic sectors in the country to open for business, opposition leaders are calling for Parliament to be allowed to sit for at least two weeks starting May 18, and not just one day.

“The decision means that by the government’s estimation, the Covid-19 pandemic is under control and some [economic] activities can resume on the condition that SOPs (standard operating procedures) are adhered to.

"In view of the fact that Parliament has decided on the SOP to allow the May 18 sitting to proceed, and given that many activities are now allowed to commence with conditions, there is no reason for Parliament not to sit for more than the one day that was announced," the leaders of Pakatan Harapan, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) said in a joint statement.

"A longer session will enable more in-depth debates of issues, as well as allow Cabinet ministers to implement their respective legislative agendas.

"Therefore, we urge the government to immediately implement a full parliamentary sitting by extending the meeting days to at least two weeks," read the statement.

The statement was issued by Bersatu's Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu (also known as Mat Sabu) and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said the Dewan Rakyat session on May 18 is best left as a one-day sitting to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection.

He said the decision takes into account the government’s stand that mass gatherings are not conducive for the time being.

As such, seating arrangements of all Members of Parliament (MPs) will also be changed accordingly so as to keep to social distancing directives, he said.

“This is to ensure that all MPs are able to take part in the session within the scope of standard operating procedures set by the Ministry of Health,” he said.

In a letter to MPs, Dewan Rakyat secretary Riduan Rahmat said that in line with the MCO, the sitting will be held only to discuss government bills and matters, and that there will be no oral and written question session or motion.

The Dewan Rakyat was initially scheduled to sit for 15 days from May 18, after being postponed from March 9, following the change of government.

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