'Bubble' concept for Perak state assembly sitting, says Speaker

IPOH: The upcoming Perak state assembly sitting will be held in a bubble, says State Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahid Abdul Khalid.

He said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah had consented to the concept, believed to be the first in the country, ahead of the sitting on Aug 25.

Zahir said the bubble would involve the State Speaker, assemblymen and other relevant people.

"Taking into consideration the current Covid-19 pandemic and advice from the state Health Department, the sitting will be conducted in a bubble concept.

"There will be four main elements, including preparations of accommodation, transportation, expanding of space and requirement for daily testing for those involved," he said in a statement Thursday (Aug 12).

He said state assemblymen would be staying at Hotel Impiana, while transportation would be prepared for those involved.

"This is to minimise the movement of all individuals involved and all those involved must use the services provided.

"Movement involving own transportation or e-hailing services is prohibited, especially if it involves personnel from outside the bubble," he said.

Zahir also said all those involved would be tested daily before being transported to the sitting.

"Only those tested negative with the information updated on the MySejahtera app will be allowed to board the transportation provided," he said, adding that discussion rooms and facilities for online meeting will be set up at the hotel for the assemblymen.

Zahir also said the main hall could only accommodate the State Speaker and 39 state assemblymen.

"The remaining 20 state assemblymen will be placed in four additional rooms.

"The composition will be according to the capacity of the rooms," he said.

"This is to minimise the risk of infections and a precautionary step for targeted quarantine in case someone is infected.

"An assistant will be placed at each room to help smoothen the sitting," he added.

He also said the segregation of the state assemblymen would allow the sitting to continue as it complies with Standing Order 12 (2), meeting the quorum with a quarter of the total assemblymen.

"The bubble concept will be explained further to all assemblymen so that ample preparations can be done.

"A direct session with the Opposition leader and state Backbenchers' Club have also been held, with positive reactions from all sides," he added.