IPOH: A total of three assemblymen will not be allowed to attend the four-day Perak state assembly sitting starting on Wednesday (Aug 25), says Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid.

       He said one has tested positive for Covid-19, another is a close contact of a patient, and the third has yet to be vaccinated.

       The assembly sitting is scheduled for Wednesday to Friday (Aug 25-27) and Monday (Aug 30).

       “The assemblyman who has yet to be vaccinated has been informed of the decision. Prior to this, he was supposed to be isolated in a different room for the sitting,” he told a press conference at the state secretariat building here on Monday (Aug 23).

       Mohammad Zahir said the decision was based on the recommendation by the state Health Department as well as the National Security Council.

       He said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah would be opening the assembly sitting on Wednesday.

       Mohammad Zahir said assemblymen who do not want to stay at the hotel provided under the bubble concept for the sitting would have to go there every morning to be tested.

       “Those not staying at the hotel would not be allowed to sit in the main chamber during the whole sitting,” he added.

       Mohammad Zahir said the assembly secretary and his deputy have also tested positive for the virus.

       “The swearing-in for a replacement secretary and his assistant was carried out this (Monday) morning.

       “Several staff members of the secretariat committee who are close contacts also need to self-quarantine at home,” he added.

       On Aug 12, Mohammad Zahir had mentioned that the upcoming state assembly sitting would be held in a bubble.

       He said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah had consented to the concept, believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

       Mohammad Zahir had said that the bubble would involve the State Speaker, assemblymen and other relevant individuals.

       It was also mentioned that the main chamber, in accordance with standard operating procedures, could only accommodate the State Speaker and 39 assemblymen.

       "The remaining 20 assemblymen would be placed in four additional rooms,” he had said.