Penang looking into reconvening state assembly

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang governor will soon write to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to seek consultation over the meeting of the state assembly as provided for under the federal emergency laws, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pic).

In a statement on Thursday (June 17), Chow said the state has been eager to hold an assembly session and had had one with strict Covid-19 standard operating procedure in place last October without any issues.

In thanking the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers for urging on Wednesday (June 16) that the meeting of Parliament and state assemblies be held, Chow said these are an important platform to discuss and debate measures in curtailing Covid-19 and other concerns facing the rakyat during the pandemic.

Under the emergency laws in place, the convening of Parliament or state assemblies is not allowed but can still be held with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, with consultation with the respective states’ Ruler or governor.

Penang speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang said the National Security Council had rejected the assembly’s request on May 20, citing the concerns of high cases of Covid-19.

He said the assembly ought to be held to pass a law allowing 18-year-olds to stand for state seats and other urgent motions.