Upko says no more need for emergency, proposes political ceasefire

 

The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) has opined that there is no longer any need for an emergency now that the movement control order (MCO) has been lifted in several states.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin dated yesterday, it joined the chorus calling for the emergency to be lifted.

Upko also proposed a “political ceasefire” between the government and opposition in the interest of “political stability”.

“Upko welcomes the lifting of MCO 2.0 in all states except Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang and would like to remind the prime minister that this positive development also removes any justification for the continuing of the emergency [...]

“If the lifting of MCO 2.0 means the country’s pandemic condition has reverted to that of before Jan 12, then the proclamation of emergency has outlived its justified purpose if ever one existed,” the letter read.

The party thus hoped the Independent Special Committee on Emergency 2021 would be able to assess the need for the emergency without any “undue influence” or obstruction.

Chaired by former chief justice Ariffin Zakaria, the committee is tasked with advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the need and continuation of the emergency.

The open letter was jointly signed by Upko president Wilfred Madius Tangau (above), deputy president Donald Mojuntin and vice president Ewon Benedick.

In it, they also reminded Muhyiddin of his legacy.

“It is in your best self-interest to leave a legacy as the PM who successfully led Malaysia out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is unnecessary for you to be remembered unfavourably as a weak PM constantly worried about his own survival and thus unable to focus on saving lives and uplifting the livelihoods of his people,” they cautioned.

Confidence and Supply Agreement

The trio further suggested that Muhyiddin reach out to opposition parties like Upko to strike a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA).

 They said they recognised the need for political stability but said this could only happen with parliamentary scrutiny.

Under the emergency, parliament and state legislative assembly sittings have been suspended. Muhyiddin’s majority in the Dewan Rakyat, meanwhile, is disputed.

“Upko understands your predicament but would like to assure you that you have a democratic and sustainable solution.

“Namely, a political ceasefire between the government and the opposition on a CSA that would allow the government to govern without the paranoia of being overthrown and the opposition to provide legislative oversight and policy input through an inclusive and mature policy-making process.

“This ceasefire can even last till June 16, 2023, the date Parliament stands automatically dissolved so that you can focus all your energy on the pandemic and the economy for the rest of the 14th Parliament’s term,” they proposed.

Upko said its six CSA requirements are:

• Fully functioning Parliament and state legislatures without any administrative obstacles in the name of the pandemic with virtual or hybrid sittings introduced when necessary.
  
  
• Set up select committees to cover every ministerial portfolio and involve every MP (opposition and government backbenchers) in at least one select committee.
  
  
• Recognition of a shadow cabinet with resources and access to the necessary policy information.
  
  
• A parliamentary act to provide an equitable Constituency Development Fund for all MPs without discrimination.
  
  
• Commencement of a process to create an Office of Public Prosecution separate from the control of Attorney-General's Chambers.
  
  
• Assurance of a free, fair, clean and inclusive GE15 in which all eligible Malaysians aged 18 and above are automatically registered as voters. - Mkini