THE DECISION TO STAVE OFF AN EMERGENCY DECLARATION BODES WELL FOR MALAYSIA’S DEMOCRACY
Press Statement dated 25 October 2020
The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) denounces the move by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in calling a “medical emergency” to combat Covid-19, as it is a desperate attempt by his unelected administration to stay in power, and a misuse of the powers granted to the position of Prime Minister.
C4 Center also lauds the decision of the King today, that there is no need for the declaration of an emergency to combat Covid-19 in Malaysia.
In a statement issued by the Royal Comptroller, it was noted that the upcoming Budget 2021 is more crucial than ever, as it will allow front-liners to continue their work. His Majesty had also called for any politicking that will affect the running of the country to be stopped immediately.
It bears reminding that the endless politicking, starting from the Sheraton move, followed by a failed power grab in Sabah that led to a state-wide election, remains the primary reason behind the upsurge in Covid-19 numbers.
C4 Center supports this call, agreeing fully that parliamentary democracy must go on, and that the running of the country should not be halted due to the actions of politicians looking to hold on to their power by abusing it.
Oct 23 saw Muhyiddin meeting with the King, with news outlets reporting that the audience was for the prime minister to advise His Majesty to agree to the declaration of a state of emergency in Malaysia to combat the Covid-19 pandemic that has seen increasing numbers over the past week.
With the statement of Deputy Energy and Natural Resources Minister Ali Biju, which claims that “only parliament would be suspended and political activities limited,” it is even more likely that the bid for a declaration of emergency is a political move, rather than one for controlling the number of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia.
Thus, the bid for an emergency is nothing more than a blatant abuse of the powers granted to the Prime Minister.
C4 Center calls for Parliament to perform its true function as a legislative check and balance, and for MPs to actively and fully participate in addressing the issue of Budget 2021, which is a matter on the minds of Malaysians in this time of uncertainty.
C4 Center would also like to express its concerns over the possibility of horse trading in order to buy cooperation, especially in light of the option for Muhyiddin to forge a confidence and supply agreement. A guarantee that this will not happen would be a start towards further transparency in the governing body of Malaysia.
Released by:
Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4 Center)
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