Muhyiddin's failed attempt to declare emergency unnecessary, dangerous

 

MP SPEAKS | His Majesty, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, as well as their majesties the Malay Rulers were absolutely correct in their belief that a state of emergency is not necessary for Malaysia. This should be respected by all Malaysians.

No one denies the threats posed by the Covid-19 pandemic to our country. The situation remains serious and in Sabah especially, tragic.

But no other nation in the world has responded to it by suspending its democratic processes or proroguing its legislature. We must get rid of this idea that politics is somehow a barrier to good or efficient governance - in fact, they cannot exist without each other.

Malaysia’s existing laws and legal frameworks, including the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342) give governments more than adequate wherewithal to deal with public health crises, including this one.

The reason why the emergency was so controversial and contentious was that it appeared to be primarily about suspending Parliament and allowing the 2021 Budget to pass without legislative scrutiny or a vote.

It was more or less a naked power grab.

That is why not only politicians but also non-partisan bodies such as civil society groups, academics, professional bodies and economists also came out against it.

It is hard to read the government’s actions as anything but an attempt to ensure that Muhyiddin Yassin remains in power by any means necessary, including dragging the institution of the Palace.

Indeed, this was not even this administration’s first attempt at trying to avoid legislative scrutiny. Let’s not forget how Parliament’s initial 2020 sitting was delayed while he was attempting to shore up support or how its first meeting in May was limited to a single day.

And yet despite all his attempts to win more backing, including via a highly-controversial series of government-linked company appointments, his majority remains slim: 113 out of 222. It speaks volumes about the actual level of support this administration enjoys.

Ideally, Muhyiddin’s administration should cease its attempts to squelch dissent and instead focus on the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the economic fallout.

A total of 229 Malaysians have died at the time this is being written. More than 9,000 are currently ill with Covid-19, including scores in intensive care units (ICUs) or on breathing support. Countless others have lost their jobs and businesses have been destroyed. The situation in Sabah is especially dire.

His Majesty also urged Malaysian politicians to stop politicking that would disturb the stability of the administration of the country. He also noted that there was no need for MPs to continue with irresponsible acts that could jeopardise the current government’s stability. His Majesty also stressed the importance of the Budget 2021 to the people and frontliners.

These are words of great wisdom which all Malaysians need to reflect on. They also arguably apply to politicians on both sides of the spectrum.

Certainly, all political players should put aside their differences to work for the greater good in times like this one. It is the right thing to do.

The country needs a strong and stable government with a secure parliamentary majority at this time.

But cooperation cannot happen without trust. Unity cannot exist without a feeling of security. Both have clearly been lacking in the current administration.

It reacted to valid questions about its parliamentary majority by seeking to impose an unnecessary and undemocratic state of emergency, which was rightly rejected by the sovereign.

The people of Malaysia clearly want their politicians to work together. This has also been the express wish of His Majesty, which must be respected by all.

But bringing this about will require leadership that has credibility and the support of the majority of our country’s Parliament as well as its political actors.

It is increasingly clear that the incumbent government might not be able to provide that leadership.

The onus is on them to prove that they can. The opposition will certainly listen to any proposal for the good of the country and which will restore the people’s mandate that was expressed in the 2018 general election.

And if it cannot, the only way to restore unity and facilitate national reconciliation is to give way to someone who can.

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NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD is the PKR chief organising secretary and MP for Setiawangsa. - Mkini

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.