KUALA LUMPUR – The Conference of Rulers is of the opinion that the state of emergency should not be extended beyond August 1.
Istana Negara in a statement today said this is among the issues on which the rulers agreed, following a meeting at the palace today.
The statement issued by the Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad also stated that the rulers said the rising political “temperature” must be cooled.
“It is important that a government is stable, and has the confidence and support from the majority of the people.”
The statement said the method to contain Covid-19 must be inclusive and involve various stakeholders, in the spirit of being willing to listen, learn and make improvements, while exploring new solutions that will succeed in convincing and gaining the cooperation of the people at all levels.
“The programme to tackle Covid-19 must be understood and gain the support of the people without raising any doubt and being considered as having any political machination that are hidden.
“The vaccination programme must be increased by reducing bureaucracy to achieve 80% herd immunity as soon as possible.”
It added that, among other matters, the lives and livelihoods of the people must be prioritised.
During the meeting, the council had aired its views openly and respectfully to allow the Agong to make decisions, while protecting the dignity and sanctity of the throne, and remaining free and independent from being perceived as favouring any individual or political group, the statement said.
The rulers have also been informed that the nation is facing a high number of daily Covid-19 cases although the country is under emergency.
They noted that the economic and financial situation in the country is at “worrying” levels, while the political landscape is unstable.
They also found that the people’s unity is becoming increasingly fractured and that many are coping with job and income loss.
The council noted that work, living and learning conditions have also been affected and caused many complications, while Muslims are unable to carry out religious obligations, such as Friday prayers, and believers of other faiths are prevented from performing their religious rites.
“It is an obligation for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and rulers of the states to balance out various demands to ensure justice is served and avoid the possibility or perception that there is any misuse of power,” read the statement.
“The Malay rulers stressed the importance of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy to be interpreted in the administration at all times in upholding the federal constitution and the law.” – The Vibes, June 16, 2021
