[PHOTOS] MPs Are Practising Better Social Distancing In Dewan Rakyat - And So Should You
Members of Parliament (MPs) are leading by example.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 04 Aug 2020, 12:59 PM
We are living in a strange time.
Never would we have thought that in 2020, we would see the Dewan Rakyat turn into a space that resembles an assembly for money exchange counters.
To ensure Members of Parliament (MPs) follow social distancing measures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dewan Rakyat has installed transparent barriers in between seats
Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said introduced the new setup yesterday, 3 August, reported Bernama.
With the new installation, some MPs who were previously assigned to Parliament officers' seats can now return back to the main block of the Dewan Rakyat.
"However, there are still some honourable members who have to occupy the officers' seats on the left and right, and not all the seats have been separated with transparent barriers," said Azalina.
The Deputy Speaker said the full installation will be ready by next week
Azalina said MPs will need to pull to extend the transparent barriers while seated next to each other to ensure everyone is separated by their shields. The setup can also help avoid any close contact with other members.
Since the barriers are a temporary installation, she reminded lawmakers not to apply too much pressure while pushing and pulling them.
All MPs are encouraged to wear face masks too
Azalina said MPs should be wearing face masks at all times in the Dewan Rakyat, but they can remove them while speaking.
Left to right: Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh
Image via Hannah Yeoh/Facebook