EVEN if we agree with the view that the king has the power to reconvene Parliament under the emergency, there are formalities to doing so. 

The formalities to convene Parliament are just like the formalities to proclaim a state of emergency. 

This explains reports that the Malacca assembly is expected to convene in the middle of next month at the latest after the actual date is gazetted. The key word here is “gazetted”.

It is one formality to convening Parliament.

The other formalities include MPs being supplied with a copy of the Order Paper for that meeting [Standing Order 9(2)(b)].

Each sitting must be transacted in the order as provided by Standing Order 14. 

Parliament must also sit with a quorum [Standing Order 13(1)].

So, even if the king were to exercise his power to summon Parliament by way of proclamation under Article 55(1) of the federal constitution, the longest notice possible must be given by the Parliament secretary in cases of urgency as may be determined by the speaker [Standing Order 9(1)(a)].

It is unlike a court sitting that can be called on a certificate of urgency filed by the solicitors, following which the court can sit within a couple of days – if not the same day of filing the certificate if urgency.

Formalities to convene Parliament must be complied with. – June 20, 2021.

* 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.