Malaysian king calls for parliament to reconvene

Malaysia's King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on Wednesday called for the country's parliament to reconvene as Malaysia is facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malaysia has been under a state of emergency since Jan. 12 as the government seeks concentrated efforts against the pandemic. (Photo: Xinhua)
Malaysia has been under a state of emergency since Jan. 12 as the government seeks concentrated efforts against the pandemic. (Photo: Xinhua)

He said the reconvene of parliament would allow all lawmakers to discuss the measures taken against the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the country and other matters of importance, the National Palace said in a statement.

The King also urged that the national immunization program be sped up, to vaccinate at least 80 percent of the country's population.

The statement came following a special session of the Conference of Rulers chaired by Sultan Abdullah. Prior to the meeting, Sultan Abdullah had met with 18 political leaders, including those from the opposition, gathering their views on the situation in the country particularly on the COVID-19 situation and the country's economy.

A statement issued after the Conference of Rulers on Wednesday said the conference has decided that there is no need to extend the emergency when it expires on Aug. 1.

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with nine sultans or rulers, who head their respective state and act as the religious leader, taking turns to serve as king for a five-year term.

Malaysia has been under a state of emergency since Jan. 12 as the government seeks concentrated efforts against the pandemic. Parliament sitting and elections are not allowed to take place during the emergency.

Xinhua