KOTA KINABALU – Former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and his Warisan MPs have sent letters pleading with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to revoke the emergency order.
Shafie said they felt the existing movement control order (MCO) is adequate to handle the Covid-19 situation in the country.
“We (Warisan MPs) have already sent a letter to the Agong. So, it is up to Tuanku.
“Other governments have resorted to restrictions similar to the MCO. We are concerned (about the emergency announcement), although the constitution provides for it.
“The Covid-19 infection rate is manageable and it has gone down in certain areas. I don’t think it’s the right time for us to have an emergency.”
Shafie said this when asked about opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's move to take the government to court to challenge its proclamation of emergency.
Anwar had written to all MPs urging them to write to the Agong to plead for the proclamation to be revoked and to call for a parliamentary sitting as soon as possible.
Shafie said he also felt the Dewan Rakyat sessions can continue, even in a state of emergency.
“It can be held any time when needed. However, the priority is the safety of the people and soft economy during the pandemic.
“From a constitutional law standpoint, it is the norm for an emergency proclamation to be tabled in Parliament as well. It is time for us to have a system to allow Parliament to sit if required.
“All parties should assist the people and participate less in politicking. We (Warisan) will assist all, whether they voted for us or not.
“For example, assemblymen of Warisan Plus parties have been told to meet with their constituents to assist those in need and serve them to the best of their abilities through food baskets.
“This is important as some flood victims haven’t eaten for close to a week in Pitas and areas where roads have been cut off.
“Providing them with bedding at evacuation centres is also important as I was made to understand about 300 families who were moved to relief centres had to sleep on the bare floor." – The Vibes, January 23, 2021
