No justification to declare emergency, says Dr M

 

FORMER Prime Minister (PM) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said there is no justification for the government to declare an emergency in the country.

 

“There  are no riots or violence in Malaysia, no breakdown of laws and order to justify an Emergency,” Dr Mahathir said in a statement today.

 

He believes that the declaration of the State of Emergency will not curb the spread of Covid-19, but to only strengthen the position of the current PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

 

He added the power and authority in today’s government are adequate to deal with the pandemic, stressing that using Covid-19 as an excuse to stop the parliamentary process is undemocratic.

 

“Covid-19 has been used to justify Parliament being delayed, shortened and void of any debates.

 

“Now it is to justify declaring a State of Emergency. But the power and authority in today’s government have been adequate to deal with the pandemic,” he said.

 

Malaysians, according to the former PM, in general obeyed the restrictions and standard operating procedures set by the authority.

 

Dr Mahathir added unlike in the US and Europe, Malaysians do not object the SOPs, thus the call for the State of Emergency is unjustifiable.

 

“What can Emergency do to stop the pandemic more than what we can do now. Nothing. But an Emergency would give extra power to the Prime Minister,” he said.

 

It is highly speculated that Muhyiddin and the Cabinet had agreed to propose for Emergency to the Agong.

 

Without revealing much details, the Palace in a statement today said Agong and the Conference of Rulers will discuss on the matter soon over the proposals.

 

Dewan Rakyat is expected to reconvene next month,  with the tabling of Budget 2021 remain the main focus.