Malaysia opposition stage walkout after ministers exposed to Covid-19 enter parliament wearing PPE

Malaysia’s health minister and human resources minister were supposed to be quarantining after coming into contact with Covid-19 patients this month

They were allowed into parliament for a key budget vote provided they wore gowns, face masks, shields and gloves – quickly causing pandemonium

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Malaysia’s health minister and human resources minister pictured in the country’s parliament wearing personal protective equipment on Monday. Photo: Handout / Teresa Kok / AFP

Published: 6:50pm, 14 Dec 2020Updated: 6:53pm, 14 Dec 2020

Two Malaysian ministers who should have been quarantining after being exposed to coronavirus voted in parliament in protective gear on Monday, triggering an opposition walkout.

The politicians came into contact with Covid-19 patients earlier this month, but officials allowed them to take part in a key budget vote – provided they wore gowns, face masks, shields and gloves.

But the sitting quickly descended into pandemonium, with opposition MPs shouting out in protest and most deciding to leave the chamber rather than cast their votes.

The ministers, wearing full personal protective equipment, are seen sat at the back of Monday’s parliamentary session in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Handout / Teresa Kok / AFP

“It is a black day for democracy in Malaysia because there is no rule of law,” opposition lawmaker Xavier Jayakumar said.

However, as well as the health minister and human resources minister, one opposition MP who should have been quarantining also turned up to parliament in protective gear.