Guan Eng Still Waiting For Azhar S Reply On Opposition S Exclusion In Parliament Panel

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DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said he is still waiting for Azhar Azizan Harun's reply 10 days after writing to the Dewan Rakyat speaker on the opposition's exclusion from a committee to plan the reconvening of a "hybrid" Parliament - a combination of online and physical attendance.
Lim said he was concerned that efforts for a "hybrid sitting" were aimed at turning Parliament into a rubber stamp.
"The exclusion of opposition representation from the hybrid Parliament special committee on the shape, procedures, and format of the hybrid Parliament is a dangerous precedent that violates not only parliamentary convention but also an abuse of power that erodes the fundamental basis of Parliament as a fountain of democracy.
"I had written to Azhar on June 9 that opposition MPs play their key role in ensuring a functioning Parliament as a check and balance on government through legislative scrutiny and government oversight.
"Harapan is awaiting a response from Azhar," he said.
Lim said Pakatan Harapan plans to nominate former Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Nga Kor Ming as its representative to the special committee.
The present composition includes the speaker, deputy speaker, president, and deputy president from the upper and lower houses, Parliament's chief administrators, and a minister in the Prime Minister's Department.
There is no opposition representative on the committee.
The emergency, which suspended Parliament since Jan 11, is set to expire in August.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong had called for Parliament to be convened as soon as possible but the government is insisting on a September or October timeline. - Mkini

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