KUALA LUMPUR – The formation of a non-partisan emergency cabinet will allow experts in the relevant fields to play a bigger role in aiding national efforts to control the Covid-19 pandemic, said Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker said those appointed to the proposed cabinet need not necessarily be politicians or elected representatives, and can comprise truly capable specialists.
“Perhaps, even the health director-general, who is always seen as a hero on the issue of public health, can be involved in the emergency cabinet, for example,” she said in a webinar titled “Why Parliament Needs to Convene During Covid”, hosted by Bahasa Malaysia daily Sinar Harian and election watchdog Bersih 2.0, last night.
Also participating were Subang MP Wong Chen, and political analyst and Sinar Harian columnist Prof Wong Chin Huat.
Azalina, who has since February suggested the suspension of cabinet, said the emergency cabinet could be similar to the National Operations Council, a special administrative body formed in the wake of the 1969 racial riots.
What happened was a mix (of leaders), not necessarily politicians, (being part of the council). (The emergency cabinet) can also be led by individuals who are experts or those seen to bring the country towards one direction, that is, to save the people and country.”
The mooted cabinet can spur cooperation by all political parties, uniting them with the common aim of saving the rakyat and nation, she said.
“It will place priority on the people and nation. Meaning, it’s a ceasefire, or a stand-down.”
In a statement last week, Azalina called for the formation of an interim government represented by all political outfits.
She also mooted an ordinance for Parliament to reconvene, without motions of confidence tabled until and unless the pandemic is controlled and 50% herd immunity achieved.
“There’s no need for the government to feel as though there is a movement to topple it, because it is seen as an emergency cabinet, or a war cabinet.”
She said the proposed cabinet is not the same as a unity government, as it only takes into account the emergency declaration.
There are two months left to the emergency period, she said, but it is up to the government and Yang di-Pertuan Agong to decide on an extension.
“If the emergency is not continued, our discussions could take a different direction, or we might have different opinions.
“The Covid-19 problem does not recognise race, religion, gender or age. It will hit all. If the country says it is under an emergency, it must move as though it is truly under an emergency.”
Azalina, who supports Parliament reconvening amid the emergency, also said the Perikatan Nasional cabinet is not obliged to answer any questions from elected representatives on its handling of the coronavirus crisis. – The Vibes, June 1, 2021
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