KUCHING: The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly will not sit for the duration of the emergency in the state from Aug 2 to Feb 2 next year, Speaker Datuk Amar Haji Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar said today.
He cited Section 4 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021 and said that for so long as the emergency is in force, the provision for the sitting of the state assembly in the Constitution of the State of Sarawak shall have no effect.
"From June 7 to Aug 1, the State Legislative Assembly lived a resuscitated life, thanks to Section 15(1)(a) and Section 15(1)(b) of the previous Emergency Ordinance.
"With the current Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021, the State Legislative Assembly lives a resurrected life from Aug 2, 2021, to Feb 2, 2022," he told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly building here.
Last Saturday, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah proclaimed a six-month emergency in Sarawak, from Aug 2 to Feb 2, 2022, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, thus suspending the state election for that period. The nationwide emergency that came into effect on Jan 12 ended on Aug 1.
A government gazette dated July 30 said Al-Sultan Abdullah decreed that the emergency is to suspend the state election in order to prevent any further increase in the spread of COVID-19 if the election is held.
As for the state budget for 2022, Mohd Asfia said it is immaterial to get an approval from the State Legislative Assembly as this is clearly stipulated in Section 11 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021.
"For so long as the emergency is in force, any such expenditure or withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund of the state may be made with the approval of the Chief Minister or the State Financial Authority, as the case may be provided by any written law or any Treasury Instructions or Treasury circulars relating thereto for the time being in force," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Aug 04 2021
From June 7 to Aug 1, the State Legislative Assembly lived a resuscitated life, thanks to Section 15(1)(a) and Section 15(1)(b) of the previous Emergency Ordinance, Mohd Asfia said. - BERNAMA
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.