Deputy speaker lauds Parlimen Digital, proposes expansion to state level
Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Rashid Hasnon (above) has voiced his support for the recently concluded Parlimen Digital initiative.
In a statement today, he said that the exercise - a simulated Parliament sitting featuring young Malaysians debating motions as “MPs” - proved that youths were able to discuss current issues comprehensively.
Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Rashid Hasnon (above) has voiced his support for the recently concluded Parlimen Digital initiative.
In a statement today, he said that the exercise - a simulated Parliament sitting featuring young Malaysians debating motions as “MPs” - proved that youths were able to discuss current issues comprehensively.
However, he made no mention of claims that Special Branch officers had contacted Parlimen Digital participants, some for questioning at police stations.
“As the deputy speaker, I fully support if this Parlimen Digital is expanded to the state legislative assembly level and that related macro-programmes be organised,” he said while congratulating the organisers.
“I also hope that this good effort can be improved to include more youth voices at the national level,” he added.
Rashid is also Batu Pahat MP and is aligned to the governing Perikatan Nasional administration.
Parlimen Digital was organised by three non-partisan youth NGOs - Undi18, Challenger Malaysia and Liga Demokratik Malaysia - with the aim of youth empowerment and proving that parliament proceedings could be conducted online.
This was in light of the controversial one-day sitting on May 18.
Held last weekend on Zoom and streamed online, it saw 222 participants between the age of 15 and 35 debating an economic booster package for youths amidst Covid-19. They also discussed solutions for marginalised communities affected by the pandemic.
Several opposition MPs and NGO Lawyers for Liberty had criticised the alleged police action on participants, characterising it as intimidation and pressure on youths.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Abdul Hamid Bador has since denied that police had called up anyone from the event and urged affected parties to come forward with their claims.
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