THE Penang state assembly, scheduled to begin this Monday, is expected to discuss a bill related to Undi18 and the appointment of a new senator.

Speaker Law Choo Kiang said the bill was to streamline the state constitution with the federal constitution to enable Malaysians aged 18 and above to be election candidates.

“This is because the age limit for voters has been lowered to 18 years, so the age limit for candidates must also be lowered. This is an amendment under the state constitution. 

“As the term of office of the senator appointed by the state government has expired on Thursday, the state assembly sitting must also appoint a new senator for the next three years,” he told reporters in George Town today.

To curb the spread of Covid-19 throughout the sitting, Law said the session would be held in strict compliance with the standard operating procedure, a brief opening ceremony and without the guard-of-honour inspection.

The attendance would be limited to elected representatives, heads of departments and required staff on duty, he added.

He said all of them must undergo RT-PCR Covid-19 screening three days before, and those who have negative results would be allowed to enter Dewan Sri Pinang. 

The state assembly sitting, which will be held physically, is scheduled to last till September 8. – Bernama, August 28, 2021.