“I can show you the proof!” Speaker Says Quarantined MPs Got Approval From Health DG

The Parliament was in an uproar yesterday and the Opposition bloc even walked out after three MPs who were supposed to be quarantined attended the Dewan Rakyat session clad in their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to cast their votes for the Federal Territories budget.

The MPs included Health Minister Dr Adham Baba (BN-Tenggara), Human Resources Minister M Saravanan (BN-Tapah) and P Prabakaran (PH-Batu). Speaking about the issue, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun said the three MPs had written an application letter to Dr Noor Hisham.

“The Health DG has given a written letter of approval for all the three MPs dated 14 December 2020. He approved the application for time off to attend the voting in the Dewan Rakyat on 14 Dec to 17 Dec 2020 with the stipulated conditions. I have a copy of the letter, I can give it to you later.”

His answer was in response to Port Dickson MP, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim demanding an explanation from the Speaker of whether it’s an official order from the Health DG.

“What is the proof? Weren’t all these rules imposed such as 80 person restriction, adjournment of session, wearing of PPE and sitting on (Public Gallery) determined by the Speaker and that the seat is included in the seat of people who can vote in the process election?”

Azhar added that the three MP’s attendance will be recorded by the herald and they will be escorted to the Public Gallery during the voting. Bernama reported that the Speaker also said the exemption is not a new thing but is also given to individuals under supervision (PUS) to attend funerals and visit patients in hospitals for emergency cases.

Was it a wise decision to allow these MPs into the Parliament? Let us know what you think!

Also read: Opposition Walks Out Of Dewan Rakyat After Quarantined MPs Attend Budget 2021 Vote