KUALA LUMPUR – It is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong’s sole discretion in extending the emergency even if the government advises His Majesty otherwise.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said it is the constitutional responsibility of the government to continue to advise Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, as the head of state, in making decisions pertaining to duration of the emergency period.
Takiyuddin said this is in line with the government’s responsibilities and core policies to focus on specific and precise measures to effectively prevent, combat and reduce the risk of Covid-19 infectivity among the people, reports Bernama.
“This (advice given to His Majesty) is after taking into account the current situation and other related factors, including public safety, social aspects and the country’s economy,” he said in a statement today.
He was responding to media reports yesterday quoting Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, who said that should the ongoing emergency be lifted, there would be nothing to stop postponed by-elections and state elections from being held.
Takiyuddin said Dr Noor Hisham was also reported to have said that it is now up to the king to decide whether to continue with the emergency, which is scheduled to end on August 1.
A state of emergency was declared nationwide on January 12, effective until August 1, in efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
On May 8, Dr Noor Hisham said with the emergency ordinance in place, three by-elections, namely Batu Sapi, Bugaya and Gerik, as well as the Sarawak election, will not take place.
Under the ordinance, a general election, by-elections and state elections will not be held throughout the implementation of the emergency.
Takiyuddin said the government has given its assurance that that all existing mechanisms within the federal constitution framework, as well the country’s laws, will be adhered to when decisions pertaining to the emergency are made.
“As such, the question of whether the emergency will be continued after August 1, at the discretion of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, should not arise,” he said.
On May 25, the Pahang sultan, who is the current king, had consented to the reconvening of the Pahang assembly on August 16 – an indication many observers say on whether Parliament will reconvene once the emergency ends on August 1. – The Vibes, June 12, 2021
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