PETALING JAYA: Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said that the proposed proclamation of Emergency will be the “final nail in the coffin” for Malaysia’s already battered economy once it is executed.
Besides that, the proposed Emergency will drive investors away from the country, with businesses badly affected.
“I am dismayed and shocked that the prime minister (with the support of his Cabinet) is now seeking the consent of our Yang di-Pertuan Agong to declare a state of emergency, presumably to put himself in charge of this emergency administration which would have far-reaching powers.
“I am not questioning the right of any prime minister to seek a declaration for a state of Emergency from the King, as stipulated under the Federal Constitution.
“But rather the basis, rationale, timing and the real motive for it,” Tengku Razaleigh said in a statement today.
The former finance minister said Malaysia is currently facing a public healthcare crisis that has severely impacted the economy and livelihood of Malaysians.
Tengku Razaleigh added “the public and politicians across the divide, except for a few recalcitrants, are fully cooperating with the government on the measures and SOPs”.
“Our parliamentary system is working well and there is no mass rebellion or riots in our streets.
“I cannot see any honest basis for such a request. I can only suspect non-honourable motives behind it.”
He also said his motion of no-confidence against Muhyiddin in the Dewan Rakyat should not be perceived as having vested interest in the prime minister’s post.
“This is in line with the principles of our parliamentary system, where the constitution is supreme and above that of the Standing Orders. The authority of the house is far above that of a government minister,” Tengku Razaleigh said.
Perikataan Nasional is speculated to be seeking a declaration of Emergency as Covid-19 cases hover around 700 to 800 daily.
Muhyiddin and several Cabinet ministers met Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah at Istana Abdul Aziz, Kuantan, yesterday.
Earlier today, Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said Sultan Abdullah will meet Malay rulers over Muhyddin’s proposal soon but did not state when.
Fadil said the Pahang ruler met Muhyiddin and the ministers at Istana Abdul Aziz for one hour and 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman-led Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) urged the Conference of Rulers to reject PN’s proposal for a state of emergency.
“The economy will be crippled, and this will subsequently affect the lives of many Malaysians if an Emergency is implemented.
“This state of Emergency will give absolute powers to the prime minister. The Federal Constitution, along with other laws, may be amended without going through Parliament,” Muda said, adding that this situation provides no checks and balances. - FMT
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