KUALA LUMPUR – After uproar over his statement yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan says there is no interference in the Special Independent Emergency Committee (SIEC) and that the government recognises its duties.
He said in a statement that there has been no interference by the Perikatan Nasional-led government in any of the SIEC’s affairs.
“The government has given its full cooperation so the committee can execute its duties as stated in Section 2,” he said, referring to Section 2 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021.
Yesterday, it was reported that Takiyuddin had said it is the cabinet’s constitutional responsibility to continue advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on matters pertaining to the emergency.
His statement drew flak from various parties, among them SIEC members demanding an explanation from the Kota Baru MP.
He said Section 2 states that “there shall be established a special independent committee to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the ongoing existence of emergency, which threatens security, economy and public order in the federation following the outbreak of an infectious disease, namely Covid-19”.
Takiyuddin added that his statement yesterday on the role of the government in terms of the constitution and laws pertaining to the emergency was quoted out of context.
“I would like to reiterate the government’s commitment and assurance that the government will always comply with all legal provisions in carrying out its responsibilities when making decisions pertaining to the emergency, including recognising all mechanisms that exist legally.”
He added that the government will continue to exercise its executive power during the emergency as stated in Section 11 of the emergency ordinance.
Yesterday, it was reported that Takiyuddin had said it is the cabinet’s constitutional responsibility to continue advising the Agong on matters pertaining to the emergency.
His statement drew flak from various parties, among them SIEC members, demanding an explanation from the Kota Baru MP.
Earlier, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in a tweet questioned the need for a special independent committee after Takiyuddin had stated that it is the role of the cabinet to advise the king on the emergency.
Everyone plays to win. But to win at all cost regardless of existing rules, is unethical. By changing the rules in the middle of a game, you create another game. This makes the Referee look bad.@takiyuddin61 #Darurat2021 pic.twitter.com/pJxYr6a4NT
— Azalina Othman Said (@AzalinaOthmanS) June 13, 2021
Takiyuddin then replied to the tweet by the Pengerang MP, saying the government is not “shifting the goal post” to influence the duration of the emergency.
Tiada siapa yang alih tiang gol, yang dibuat adalah betulkan Peraturan Permainan supaya membantu Referee buat pengadilan yang betul. “To achieve goals does not mean to change the goal post”. pic.twitter.com/7WGmrNmNGP
— Takiyuddin Haji Hassan (@takiyuddin61) June 12, 2021
“What has been done is to correct the rules of the game to support the referee in making a fair decision.
“To achieve goals does not mean to change the goal post,” he tweeted.
It is believed that the “referee” Takiyuddin’s tweet is referring to is the Agong. – The Vibes, June 13, 2021
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