“DURING exigencies, it is even more critical for Parliament to carry on its constitutional functions of legislating and holding the government to account.”

One would have thought that the above came from Pakatan Harapan, which has urged Putrajaya to hold a longer, if not full, meeting of Parliament when it convenes on May 18. 

But no, it was said by Singapore Parliament’s leader of the house, Grace Fu at the start of debate on the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill on May 4. It echoed similar statements by the Speaker who, in his opening speech for the day, said:

“Whatever challenging circumstances we face as a nation, the essential and fundamental role of Parliament continues. All over the world, other parliaments are similarly doing their best to persevere despite the extraordinary Covid-19 times we are living in. And our Parliament in Singapore can do no less.”

The Parliament of Singapore – like all other parliaments the world over – was sitting through March and April even as the “circuit breaker” – the equivalent of the movement control order (MCO) – was introduced on April 7.

It debated a bill that proposed an amendment to the republic’s constitution to establish a legal framework for arrangements to be made for Parliament and its committees to meet and despatch business under continuity arrangements.

When the new Article 64A is triggered, Parliament need not meet with all MPs in one place, but instead across two or more places appointed by the Republic’s President, and in communication contemporaneously, or alive. MPs taking part in proceedings of Parliament under continuity arrangements are taken to be present for attendance, quorum, voting and other purposes.

The bill was passed on May 5 before the house was adjourned. Through March and April, the republic’s Parliament introduced no less than 10 bills, six of which were passed into law.

This includes the Supplementary Supply Act to legalise the government’s stimulus packages  for the people and businesses. It also includes the Covid-19 (Temporary Measure) Act for the purpose of giving temporary relief to financially distressed individuals, firms and other businesses affected by the pandemic.

It amplifies the constitutional function of Parliament of legislating, even in times of exigencies.

Malaysia’s de facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan, on the other hand, insists that the Covid-19 pandemic does not allow for a longer than one-day sitting of Parliament on May 18.

Given that the courts too are now up and running – much like the businesses – it is simply mind boggling. 

* Hafiz Hassan reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.