KUALA LUMPUR – Umno takes seriously the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree on the need to realise a stable and strong government that can function effectively in tackling Covid-19 and reviving the country's economy, said party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In a statement last night, Zahid said the party presented its stand that the emergency should end on August 1 as the pitfalls have become bigger, and the government can still handle issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic without the emergency.
He added that he appreciated the Agong’s consideration in taking into account his concerns as Umno leader during his audience with the latter on June 11, and that he had explained to the Agong that Parliament must be allowed as a platform for the people’s voices.
Issues such as the automatic loan moratorium, price control, i-Sinar 2.0, i-Lestari 2.0, and other aid for the people should be discussed in Parliament, he said.
Zahid’s comments come after the Agong decreed that the reconvening of Parliament must be done as soon as possible.
His Majesty, in a statement from the palace yesterday, said this would allow lawmakers to debate emergency ordinances and the National Recovery Plan.
The statement issued by the Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the Agong is highly aware of the role of Parliament as an important platform for the people’s representatives to discuss various issues, especially the spread of Covid-19.
“The members of the Dewan Rakyat can discuss the government’s allocations to help people facing difficulties and restore the country’s economy.”
The statement comes after a special Conference of Rulers meeting, which discussed the Covid-19 situation plaguing the country, at Istana Negara yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Conference of Rulers was of the opinion that the state of emergency should not be extended beyond August 1.
Istana Negara had also said in a statement yesterday that this was among the issues on which the rulers agreed.
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 Vibes, June 17, 2021
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