SENATOR Ras Adiba Radzi’s sister and special officer has tested positive for Covid-19, said the lawmaker, after this morning’s Parliament meeting was cut short to 1pm. 

In a statement, the former newscaster said Ras Afiona Radzi tested positive during a recent test and is now hospitalised at Sg Buloh Hospital.

“Me and 10 family members are now awaiting our Covid-19 test results and I apologise in advance if this has affected anyone else,” said Ras Adiba.

The Dewan Negara sat for 11 days from September 2 to 23.

The Petaling Jaya-born Ras Adiba represents the persons with disabilities (OKU) in the Senate and is the third person appointed under this category.

Dewan Rakyat decided to cut short the meeting to 1pm today after it was revealed that a Parliament staffer had contracted virus.

“Some Parliament staff have tested positive and some senators may also have contracted it, because one of the officers is attached to a lawmaker,” said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law) Takiyuddin Hassan today, while tabling a motion to adjourn the sitting.

He said the shortened hours were a preliminary measure and will be decided daily after tabling the motion under Parliament Standing Orders 12(1).

Sittings usually begin at 10am before stopping for lunch 1pm. The session resumes at 2.30pm and usually ends at 5.30pm unless more time is needed to complete the debates.

The Kota Baru MP said the decision was made after a meeting, which was chaired by Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun, with all the party whips this morning.

Among those present were Anthony Loke (Seremban-PH), Johari Abdul (Sg Petani-PH), Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus (Ulu Langat-PH) and Rozman Isli (Labuan-Warian). – November 2, 2020.