AG, Dewan Rakyat speaker’s offices being used to delay Parliament, says Anwar

[superadmin]

PETALING JAYA: The attorney-general’s office and the office of the Dewan Rakyat speaker are being used to delay the reconvening of Parliament, says opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Yesterday, Attorney-General Idrus Harun said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong must act on the advice of the Cabinet on when Parliament can reopen, after the Agong had earlier stated it should happen “as soon as possible”.

Citing Article 40(1) and (1A) of the Federal Constitution, Idrus said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong must act on the advice of the Cabinet “unless otherwise stated”.

Idrus went on to say that while Article 55(1) of the Federal Constitution empowered the Agong to call for Parliament to reconvene, the emergency ordinance overruled this provision during the period the emergency was in force.

The PKR president said Idrus’ statement flew in the face of the wishes of the Agong and his fellow Malay Rulers, and could drag the country into a constitutional crisis.



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