Takiyuddin: Govt fully recognises role of independent committee

 

De facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan claimed today that portions of his press statement on the role of the cabinet in matters related to the emergency law had been taken out of context.

He insisted that the government has never interfered in the 19-member Special Independent Committee on Emergency’s one job - to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong when the emergency should end.

“I would like to reiterate the government’s commitment and reassurance that it would abide by all provisions of the law in carrying out its duties while deciding on any emergency related matters, including to acknowledge all mechanisms created under the law.

“In other words, the government fully recognises the existence of the Special Independent Committee established under Section 2(1) of the Emergency Ordinance 2021,” Takiyuddin said in a statement.

Yesterday, he said it will be the cabinet’s responsibility to advise the Agong whether or not the emergency should be extended beyond its initial August deadline.

He said this in response to a report quoting Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah as saying that only the king had the discretion to extend the emergency.

Takiyuddin’s remarks prompted criticisms from Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Azalina Othman Said, among others, who argued that the government should not shift the goalposts on when the emergency will end.

Responding to Azalina, Takiyuddin on Twitter last night said the cabinet was only “correcting” rules to help the “referee” make the right decision.

“To achieve goals does not mean to change the goalposts,” he tweeted. 

Commenting further, Takiyuddin today said the government continues to play its executive role throughout the emergency period as stipulated under Section 11 of the Emergency Ordinance.

“Therefore, in the situation where our country is still at war with Covid-19, it is best that all parties accept its respective functions as provided under the existing laws,” he added. - Mkini