Anwar calls on MPs to appeal to Agong to rescind emergency

KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has sent a letter to all parliamentarians urging them to send appeals to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to rescind the emergency proclamation and call for a Parliament sitting soon.
 
Anwar said in the letter that he has proposed to all parliamentarians to make the plea immediately, adding the letter to the Agong should be adapted according to the considerations of all parliamentarians and parties.
 
“May this letter receive the gracefulness and wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to withdraw the declaration of emergency and order a Parliament session to be held immediately before January 31 to discuss the issue of the emergency, Covid-19 and the economic crisis that has hit the country."
 
In the memo attached with the press statement, Anwar said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's proposal for an emergency proclamation under Article 150 of the federal constitution was without “legitimacy”, following the decline in parliamentary support for Muhyiddin’s leadership.
 
Anwar said MPs have stressed that Budget 2021 must focus on health, equipment and provisions for health and security frontliners.
 
“The existing views and provisions are sufficient to stem the spread of Covid-19, including the movement control order (MCO) and conditional MCO," he said in the memo to the MPs.
 
“The proposal to form a joint task force has also been brought forward by many parliamentarians since March 2020.”
 
Anwar, who is also Port Dickson MP, said the situation in the country does not require an emergency, adding the current economic turmoil is “very concerning” as unemployment, poverty and inequality are rising.
 
“The emergency would surely cause the economic condition to deteriorate further.
 
“We are of the view that the prime minister and government has overstepped and deviated in advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the matter (emergency) is not related to the problems of Covid-19, floods or the economy."
 
Anwar added the prime minister is “more focused” on defending his power, adding he hopes MPs will call on the Agong's kindness and wisdom in withdrawing the emergency and calling for a parliamentary sitting before January 31.
 
“I suggest that parliamentarians present their appeals before Friday.”
 
Anwar added he has prepared a draft of the letter to the Agong that can be amended according to the considerations of each MP or their parties. – The Vibes, January 14, 2021