A Parliamentary session erupted in chaos and had to be temporarily suspended yesterday when an MP attended the start and was found to have tested positive to Covid-19.
Fellow legislators urged National Assembly and Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal to investigate the incident accusing their colleague of breaking the country’s health isolation protocols.
Ms Zainal earlier announced at the opening of the day’s business that six MPs were absent for health reasons, including the female MP at the centre of the storm, while three others were excused for emergency reasons.
Dr Sawsan Kamal claims she was unaware of her positive test result and left the building as soon as it was pointed out.
She was escorted out and the chamber had to be disinfected before MPs returned to their seats.
At the start of the resumed session, MP Mamdooh Al Saleh said: “The local Press and social media are broadcasting news that an MP who tested positive for Covid-19 has showed up and people are concerned as to who this person is.
“Everyone should know that it is Dr Sawsan Kamal, who is not only a danger to us in the chamber, but people outside who may have come into close contact with her.
“Ms Speaker, as the highest legislator in the country, you should use your authority to investigate the matter and take serious action as this MP has breached health isolation protocols, which has grave consequences on the well-being of others,” he claimed.
“This MP should be the first to protect public interest and not harm it and she is standing outside in the car park of the National Assembly Complex still insisting on entering this chamber.”
Ms Zainal said all necessary procedures have been taken. “Dr Kamal has left the building. In fact, she has left the whole complex,” the Speaker added.
“The MP didn’t know she was positive and, when informed, she left and I wish her, and others who are sick, a speedy recovery.”
Permission
In a handwritten letter from Dr Kamal addressed to Ms Zainal, dated yesterday and widely-circulated, Dr Kamal later requested permission to attend the session in person or remotely.
“I would like to thank you, Ms Speaker, for your efforts to chair Parliament and submit an urgent request to attend today’s session to fulfil my parliamentary duties in any suitable way possible, in line with health protocols, while in isolation,” the letter stated.
“This comes as I have tested positive for Covid-19. But, I have no intention of relinquishing my right to attend the session, even remotely, thanking your co-operation.”
The Speaker said that she read the letter after prayer time was called.
A senior parliamentary official suggested that all Covid-19 test results should appear on the BeAware app on Monday night for all those scheduled to attend and the general-secretariat is also notified of the results in advance.
“No one can attend without the BeAware app showing ‘not infected’ – even for those freshly-recovered as in the case of two MPs and two journalists in attendance – as we conduct PCR tests a day in advance prior to the session, in co-ordination with Health Ministry officials,” he added.
Parliament first vice-chairman Abdulnabi Salman confirmed the matter was now under investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the MP’s attendance.
It is unknown how Dr Kamal was able to enter the chamber without first showing a green shield on the app or a negative PCR test certificate.
However, he added, the Health Ministry would need to contact the Public Prosecution should it wish to take legal action if it was proven that the breach was ‘deliberate’.
“The Public Prosecution would request through the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister that immunity is lifted, for legal action to begin against an MP, if deliberate misconduct is proven,” explained Mr Salman.
Dr Kamal, a clinical psychiatrist, has not responded to GDN requests to clarify circumstances surrounding yesterday’s incident.
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