Hadi says emergency needed due to critical Covid-19 situation, pans disruptors

 

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has defended the state of emergency that had been enforced since Jan 11, stating that it was necessary for the increasingly critical Covid-19 situation in the country.

"The emergency today is a proactive action to handle the increasingly critical situation.

"Most importantly is prevention, treatment as well as firm and courageous action," he said in a statement.

Hadi (above) noted that in some countries, the Covid-19 pandemic has gone out of control and they are facing a lack of medical equipment and personnel.

"Therefore, the government took swift action, starting with ensuring sufficient equipment and personnel, including the need to train additional people," said the Marang MP.

Hadi also advocated action against people who he described as "disruptors" in the battle against Covid-19 and also ensuring funding under the emergency.

"Emergency financial provision should be sufficiently provided particularly for use by frontliners - medical and security personnel as well as supporting agencies.

"Strict laws against the disruptors of frontliners should also be drafted. Stern action must be taken against any disruptors who erode the spirits of our frontliners," he said.

In March, the government had invoked its emergency powers in order to tap the consolidated funds and come up with supplementary budgets without parliamentary oversight. 

Earlier in the same month, the government also granted itself wide powers to deal with "fake news" about the emergency.  - Mkini