KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Sin Chew Daily) – The government will table the 2021 Budget as scheduled this Friday.

Works ministry senior minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said during an interview with Sin Chew Daily that after discussing with the whips of different political parties, the Dewan Rakyat Speaker had decided to shorten this week's parliamentary session for safety reasons, after some Senate officers had tested positive for COVID-19.

However, he said the 2021 Budget would still be tabled by finance minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz this Friday as scheduled.

He said according to the government's plan, this week's parliamentary sitting would be until 1.00p.m., adding that Dewan Rakyat would start debating the 2021 Budget, although there would be change to the timing, i.e. until 2.00pm only.

"We will shorten the debate time for MPs."

He also said to reduce infection risks, the Speaker had agreed to have only 26 MPs inside the hall at one time, i.e. the quorum for a parliamentary sitting to proceed.

"MPs with verbal questions or are prepared to debate must register beforehand in order to enter the hall. The others will remain within the premises of the Parliament House."