MELAKA: The first (special) session of the first term of the 15th Melaka state assembly, which was supposed to be held for four days from Monday (Dec 27) until Thursday, has been shortened to just one day.

       The motion to shorten the sitting was proposed by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali following the spread of the Covid-19 virus among assembly members and staff.

       He said the motion was tabled based on Standing Order 9 (3) and 17 (5)(m) of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly, as well as the state Health Departmen’s recommendations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

       Sulaiman said there would be no oral question-and-answer session or adjournment speech or written reply, in accordance with Standing Order 17 (5) (m), owing to time constraints.

       Instead, he said, the sitting would focus on the tabling of the Melaka State Budget 2022.

       The motion was seconded by investment, industrial and entrepreneur development committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

       The agenda had been arranged according to priorities and to ensure the smooth running of the state administration during the pandemic, Ab Rauf said.

       A total of 15 assemblymen voted in favour of the motion, six abstained and seven were absent. – Bernama