Pakatan MPs ask for face masks to be optional in Parliament, say some could faint

KUALA LUMPUR: Several Pakatan Harapan MPs asked the Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker to be allowed to debate without wearing a face mask, claiming that someone may faint due to breathing difficulties.

It began when M. Karupaiya (PH-Padang Serai) asked permission from Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon to remove his face mask, just before Datuk Mahfuz Omar (PH-Pokok Sena) delivered his speech on the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

"Many of them cannot breathe and are coughing," he said during the debate session on the 12MP in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 4).

Mohd Rashid immediately replied: "No. I do not agree."

Karupaiya went on to say that those who wanted to wear the face mask should do so and those who wanted to remove them should also be allowed to do so.

"No, I think we don't allow that," said Rashid, as he invited Mahfuz to deliver his speech on the 12MP.

Mahfuz, however, agreed with Karupaiya, claiming that the Speaker had previously allowed lawmakers to do so.

"This will affect our health, especially those who are debating," he said, drawing laughter from the floor.

"This is really dangerous, based on the point of view of those who are about to give the speech because they cannot breathe properly," added Mahfuz.

RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) also interjected, saying that face masks were causing breathing difficulties and could cause MPs to faint.

"Due to the lack of oxygen, MPs can faint. Please consider this," he added.

Later, a similar request was made by Datuk Christina Liew (PH-Tawau) just before she began her 12MP speech but Rashid again denied it.

"No, unless you have health issues.

“But if you can, please continue wearing the face mask," said Rashid.

Liew proceeded with her speech with her face mask on.