DEWAN Negara convened today, adapting to the new normal by observing standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Dewan Negara president Dr Rais Yatim, while reading the SOP, reminded members of the upper house of the Parliament to always abide by physical distancing. 

“We need to go through the new normal to curb the spread of this pandemic in Dewan Negara as well, because there are 29 members who are above age 60, and they are more likely to be at risk.

“Therefore, Parliament has prepared SOP for the recovery phase of Parliamentary sitting to ensure honourable members can convene safely and in a controlled manner to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he said.

Among the SOP outlined are the installation of transparent barriers and limited attendance for government officials assisting ministers and deputy ministers during question-and-answer sessions. In addition, no visitors are allowed at this juncture.

Rais also requested the attention and cooperation of senators to facilitate the distribution of documents, arrangements, meetings, reports and other related documents due to the sergeants-at arms having limited movement.

He also reminded senators to wear a face mask at all times and they are only allowed to remove it when they wanted to speak.

“This is the advice of the Ministry of Health. I understand there is discomfort with the implementation of this requirement but believe me, it is for the good and benefit of all parties.

“Let us all pray that this pandemic will be over soon and no longer be a threat to us. With the will of Allah S.W.T., our country will return to normal and Parliament can convene as usual after this,” he added. – Bernama, September 2, 2020.