Puteri Umno: Older MPs who are in fear of Covid-19 should make way for young leaders

KUALA LUMPUR: It may be time for a new generation of young leaders to take over if older MPs, who say they are at higher risk from Covid-19, are the reason for keeping Parliament closed, says Puteri Umno chief Datuk Zahida Zarik Khan.

"Perikatan Nasional ministers presented scientific data to justify that Parliament cannot resume because most of the MPs are in their old age – despite MPs being among the first to be vaccinated.

"If that is the reason, then the younger people should replace them," she said during her address at the Umno assembly on Saturday (March 27).

She said it was embarrassing to note that the halls of Parliament were silent when night markets, casinos, spas, massage parlours and lottery outlets were allowed to operate.

Zahida said using this excuse to not allow Parliament to reconvene was an insult to the country's democratic system, especially after the King had called for it to resume.

Her views were shared by other Puteri Umno exco members who debated the policy speech.

Norlizah Noh from Johor said it was odd that other venues were open but Parliament remained closed.

She said the move would only empower Umno's rivals to strategise and threaten their existence.

Norfadzlete Aryani Mat Rosli from Kelantan noted that schools have reopened.

"If my child who is in Year One can follow proper SOP at school, why can't we trust grown-ups in Parliament to do the same?" she asked.