KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has given an assurance that there is no sinister motive behind the emergency declaration, which has previously raised concerns.
Muhyiddin said the declaration is made for only one purpose – to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said the sole rationale behind the declaration is to fast-track necessary legislative measures related to the management of the pandemic.
“This covers matters related to the use of private hospital assets, temporary land ownership, moveable property of buildings or private hospitals, and to allow the use of private hospitals to treat Covid-19 patients.
“So, rest assured that there is no sinister motive behind this declaration of emergency,” he said in a speech at a dialogue session with industries organised by the International Trade and Industry Ministry here today.
Muhyiddin also reiterated that the emergency will not be used to violate human and other legal rights, as well as private property.
He said Malaysia adheres to the rule of law, and, hence, will not diregard the legal principles that it holds dear.
“It is imperative that the business community, both domestic and international, understand this.”
On January 12, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah proclaimed a Covid-19 emergency as a proactive measure to contain the pandemic in the country. The emergency is to be enforced up to August 1.
Muhyiddin said the battle against Covid-19 is a shared responsibility, as the government, private sector, civil societies and individuals must come together to curb and combat the pandemic. – Bernama, April 15, 2021
