KUALA LUMPUR: Members of Parliament were not allowed to enter the compound of Parliament Building last Aug 2 to enable sanitation work to be conducted, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
He said such an action was taken after nearly 100 positive COVID-19 cases were reported at the Parliament building.
"It is about the government wanting to take care of the Yang Berhormat so that they can be present today," he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Hamzah said this after RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) raised the issue of MPs not being allowed to enter the Parliament compound last Aug 2 and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson), who is Opposition Leader, questioning the reason for him not being allowed to enter his office.
On the issue of compound issued to MPs who gathered to enter the area, Hamzah said the action was taken as it was as offence for them to assemble and it was a violation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Hamzah said, the value of the compound was reduced after he discussed the matter with the Health Minister.
Meanwhile, when Wong Kah Woh (PH-Ipoh Timur) told the House that he was prevented from entering Parliament on the same day to attend the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting, Hamzah said an error occurred.
"Since we wanted to make sure everything went well for the sanitation to be carried out, we issued instruction not to allow anyone to enter," he added.
Earlier, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun, chaired the Parliament session, said Parliament was not closed then and he had instructed Dewan Secretary to allow all MPs to enter.
"However, on the road closure, it is under the action of the police and why they closed the road, I had no knowledge of it," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Sep 14 2021
On the issue of compound issued to MPs who gathered to enter the area, Hamzah said the action was taken as it was an offence for them to assemble and it was a violation of the SOPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. - BERNAMA
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.