IPOH: Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has consented for the state assembly to be held on Aug 25.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad said the consent was obtained after he sought an audience with the Perak Ruler on Tuesday.

       Saarani said the first meeting would sit for four days.

       “Sultan Nazrin will open the meeting on the first day.

       “All state assemblymen will be attending while department heads and observers will follow virtually,” he said during a virtual press conference yesterday.

       Saarani also said a meeting would be held with the security team, including the National Security Council to get their advice on the standard operating procedure.

       “These include the number of people allowed inside the hall, physical distancing, seating arrangements and other related SOP,” he said, adding that the meeting would be aired live on Facebook and YouTube.

       “I hope all state assemblymen will share their views and opinions, especially on collective efforts to break the chain of infection,” he said.

       Separately, Saarani urged the people not to give up as the fight against the pandemic was not over yet.

       On the “white flag” movement, he said the people must be ready to face any challenges.

       “I understand that it is a movement to inform those who need help.

       “But I was taught from young that a white flag means to surrender, so I don’t fully agree with it,” he said.

       “We cannot admit defeat as it is still an ongoing battle.”

       Saarani was commenting on the #benderaputih movement, trending on social media about people being badly hit by the pandemic.