Explain why revocation of Emergency ordinances was not announced, urges Umno's Shahril Hamdan

 

PUTRAJAYA: The government must explain why the revocation of six Emergency ordinances was not announced, says Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan.

“Yes, Parliament is the best platform to debate policies but for the government to make a major decision such as this and not to announce it to the public raises questions.

“For five days, the rakyat were not told of the laws and systems of the country.

“What about the legitimacy of legal actions taken such as compounds, fines and other administrative matters that were done over the past five days where the assumption was that the Emergency ordinances are still in effect?,” he said in a statement on Monday (July 26).

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan had told Parliament that the government would not be advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to declare a fresh Emergency proclamation when the present one ends on Aug 1.

The Federal Government had also decided, based on Article 150 (3) of the Federal Constitution, to revoke all Emergency ordinances made during the nationwide state of emergency which started on Jan 12.

“A total of six Emergency ordinances were gazetted and revoked on July 21,” Takiyuddin told Parliament.

Shahril pointed out that any Emergency ordinance must be presented to the Parliament, unless it was revoked earlier.

“Is this (the revocation) a way to avoid debate?” he questioned.

Umno, said Shahril, had made it clear that Emergency ordinances must be debated and revoked.

“Whatever the reason, a clear explanation must be made by the government to avoid confusion,” he said. - Star