IPOH: Three assemblymen will have to miss the Perak state assembly meeting that starts tomorrow, the first to be held under a “bubble” concept, due to Covid-19 concerns.

       One of the assemblymen has tested positive for the virus, another is a close contact while the third one has yet to be vaccinated.

       State Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid said that he would reveal the names of the assemblymen on the first day of the meeting.

       “The assemblyman who has yet to be vaccinated has been informed of the decision as prior to this, he was supposed to be seated alone in a different room for the meeting,” he told reporters at the state secretariat building here yesterday.

       Mohammad Zahir said the decisions were made based on recommendation by the state Health Department and National Security Council.

       He said both the assembly secretary and his deputy had also tested positive for the virus, so a replacement and an assistant were sworn in yesterday.

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

       The Perak state assembly, which is to be held in a safe “bubble”, will meet tomorrow until Friday and will continue for another day next Monday.

       Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah will be opening the assembly meeting.

       Mohammad Zahir said the assemblymen who did not want to stay at the hotel provided under the bubble concept would have to go there every morning for daily testing.

       “Those not staying at the hotel will not be allowed to be seated inside the main chamber during the entire meeting.

       “These are all the precautions we are taking in view of the pandemic and to prevent any outbreak at the meeting,” he said.

       On Aug 12, Mohammad Zahir said the Sultan of Perak had consented to the bubble concept, believed to be the first in the country, ahead of the meeting.

       He had said the bubble would involve the State Speaker, assemblymen and other relevant people.

       The main chamber in accordance with the SOP can only accommodate the State Speaker and 39 assemblymen.

       “The remaining 20 state assemblymen will be placed in four additional rooms,” he had said.