Harapan will join committee to advise Agong on emergency

 

Pakatan Harapan will submit three names to participate in the soon-to-be established independent committee to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on how long the emergency would last.

Speaking at an online media conference today, Anwar said Harapan had received an explanation from Law Minister Takiyuddin Hassan on the committee.

PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is expected to submit Harapan's three nominees today.

According to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement on Jan 12, the committee will comprise a bipartisan group of MPs and experts.

"I offer you my firm commitment that as soon as this special independent committee that we will establish determines that the Covid-19 pandemic has subsided or recovered, and it is safe to hold a general election, it will then be up to the people to choose which government they think is qualified to govern this country and take care of your welfare," said Muhyiddin at the time.

Malaysiakini has attempted to reach Saifuddin on whether Harapan has been informed of the terms of reference but has yet to receive a reply.

Joint appeal letter

On Jan 14, Anwar had urged MPs to write to the Agong to reconsider the emergency.

At the online conference, Anwar, who is opposition leader, said Harapan had sent a joint appeal letter to the Agong yesterday.

"We seek the Agong's compassion and wisdom in reviewing the emergency proclamation, if amendment is possible.

"Second, during the emergency, the Agong has the power to order a parliamentary sitting to be held anytime.

"Therefore, we seek his compassion and wisdom to order the sitting to be held as soon as possible," Anwar said.

He reiterated that the committee is different from the parliamentary sitting.

"We will send representatives but it's an independent committee, not involving executive power, and the view (of the committee) is leaning towards the emergency proclamation and when it should be halted.

"That's not the solution. Four (MPs) from the government, three from the opposition, it's different from the parliamentary sitting.

"But because it's a proposal in the king's speech, we decided to cooperate," he said. - Mkini