The former human resources minister claimed that the proposal for Parliament to reconvene in a hybrid manner was “mischievous” and an attempt to “disenfranchise the elected MPs”.

In a statement, he also questioned why the proposal for hybrid sittings came so late when it could have been mooted earlier into the proclamation of emergency in January.

“Why wasn’t this ‘noble’ proposal made public then and discussed with MPs and other stakeholders?

“A bill can only become a law if it is passed by a majority vote in Parliament. Using a hybrid system, the whole voting process could be done away with, which would prevent Parliament from carrying out its function as a check and balance to the ruling government.

“There is absolutely no reason for any special sitting to enable the hybrid model. We will not accept a model that enables Parliament to be used as a rubber stamp to pass laws,” he said.

Last week, Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Harun and Dewan Negara president Rais Yatim proposed for a special sitting to be held in early August to amend the standing orders and allow for hybrid proceedings.

While most MPs welcomed the announcement of hybrid sittings, former prime minister Najib Razak questioned the need for it considering how eight states had confirmed plans to reconvene their legislative assemblies.

Yesterday, Azhar and Rais said the King wanted Parliament to reconvene before Aug 1.