KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stressed that Parliament can still continue to function safely even though the country is facing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bagan Datuk MP said, in his view, the practice of democracy could be restored on the grounds of 'science and data', including with the use of virtual conferencing technology, as was done in other countries.

He said the functions of Parliament should be restored as soon as possible, in line with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's consent that a conference could be held.

“We need to remember that Parliament has the most important position in a democratic system.

“Parliament is a forum for the people to voice their concerns through their representatives elected in elections.

“It is a Federal legislature that examines government policies in the interest of the country.

"Maintaining the policy of separation of powers of the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary to prevent abuse of power due to centralisation of power," he said in a post on his social media site, today.

Ahmad Zahid said if the ‘science and data’ reasons were applied, many MPs had taken the COVID-19 vaccine injection since the National Immunisation Program began.

Apart from that, he said, most other activities including schooling had already been allowed to operate, so there was no reason for Parliament to continue to close.

“The Batu Pahat Member of Parliament (Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon) said on Facebook that he had run around Parliament until his knees were trembling two days ago.

"The Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker said he did a gimmick for the 'Parliament Virtual Run 2021' event.

"This means Parliament is a safe area and will remain safe when everyone present complies with the SOP," he added.