Emergency: PM brushes off lawsuits, says Agong knows the law

 

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was not fazed by the flurry of lawsuits coming his way for advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to declare emergency.

"Although some are trying to challenge the emergency proclamation in court, I believe that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as the head of the country, is well-versed with and respects our legal process and systems," said Muhyiddin in a televised address today.

Several opposition figures have filed suits to challenge the legitimacy of Muhyiddin's advice to the king on Jan 11.

Among others, emergency powers had allowed Muhyiddin to suspend the function of all legislatures and all elections. There are two vacancies to fill in Parliament and the Sarawak election must be held by early August.

Muhyiddin today assured that this situation was only temporary.

"I wish to reiterate my commitment that I will advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament as soon as the Covid-19 pandemic is on the wane and general election can be held safely," he said.

He said the emergency's only purpose was to manage the Covid-19 response in a more rapid, efficient and effective manner.

"The proclamation of emergency by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong does not have any other purpose other than to curb the spread of Covid-19 in a more effective manner to protect lives," he said.

In view of this, he urged his "friends" from both sides of the divide to work together.

Muhyiddin did not make any mention of the independent committee - comprising experts and a bipartisan group of MPs - which was supposed to advise the Agong on when to end the emergency.

The terms of reference of this committee are still unknown. - Mkini