KUALA LUMPUR – The government should not have declared a nationwide emergency to battle Covid-19, said Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, as one that specifically deals with health would be more appropriate.
The Umno deputy president, in a statement today, said the party, though fully supportive of the government’s efforts to combat the pandemic, is firm in its stance on restoring democracy and the functions of the constitution.
Putrajaya’s control over the crisis could have been improved with a reinforcement of its healthcare strategy, including movement controls and expediting the vaccination process, he said.
“Paralysing the constitution, be it partially or fully, will never aid our recovery from the pandemic.
“We acknowledge that the government’s decision to declare a state of emergency was made with the intention of controlling the outbreak.
“However, I believe it would be more appropriate for the government to instead declare a state of ‘health emergency’, while also introducing a specific ordinance for such a purpose.”
Mohamad, popularly known as Tok Mat, said Malaysia’s democracy must remain undefeated, regardless of the health threat.
“It will also be a just country, with its constitution as the highest law and beacon.”
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on Tuesday consented to a nationwide emergency to curb Covid-19, just a day after the movement control order was declared in six states, namely the Federal Territories, Selangor, Penang, Johor, Melaka and Sabah.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin later said the emergency is necessary as the public healthcare system is at its breaking point, and that the order means no elections can be held, helping reduce the risk of infections.
However, Muhyiddin has found himself on the receiving end of criticism, with many saying the emergency rule is a desperate act by the leader to remain in power, after he lost majority support in the Dewan Rakyat. – The Vibes, January 17, 2021
