KUALA LUMPUR – The government will take follow-up action in line with the federal constitution and the country’s laws after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree yesterday, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
In a statement today, the prime minister said he has informed and advised the king on matters related to the Covid-19 pandemic, enforcement of emergency ordinances, and implementation of the national vaccination drive.
He said his discussions with the Agong also touched on economic stimulus packages, assistance to the people, and parliamentary sittings, among others.
This comes after calls from the opposition and some Umno politicians for Parliament to immediately reconvene.
The need to uphold parliamentary sovereignty “outweighs” the “legislative quarantine”, said Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, following the royal decree on reopening the House.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the decree is in line with Muhyiddin’s four-phase National Recovery Plan.
“In the context of the parliamentary session, the prime minister has said Parliament will sit. We never said Parliament won’t sit,” he told the press today.
“But as the head, he acted in accordance with the provisions of the law and Standing Orders, and in accordance with the appropriate time to hold a conference (Parliament).
“For me, the Agong’s statement is in line with the government’s intention to hold a parliamentary sitting at the appropriate time, so that the democratic process can continue.”
After high-level meetings with the Malay rulers, top civil servants and party heads, Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said the reconvening of Parliament must be done as soon as possible.
In a statement from Istana Negara yesterday, the king said this will allow lawmakers to debate emergency ordinances and the National Recovery Plan.
He expressed hope that the Covid-19 curve will be flattened soon, and the national immunisation programme will see the country exiting the health crisis.
The statement, issued by Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, said the Agong is highly aware of Parliament’s role as an important platform for the people’s representatives to discuss various issues, especially Covid-19 at this point in time.
“Members of the Dewan Rakyat can discuss the government’s allocation to help people who are facing difficulties and restore the country’s economy.”
It came after a special Conference of Rulers meeting at the palace yesterday afternoon discussed the Covid-19 situation.
The rulers are of the opinion that the state of emergency should not be extended beyond August 1.
Istana Negara also said this is among the matters agreed upon by the royals.
A statement issued by Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad said the rulers believe the rising political “temperature” must be brought down.
“It is important that a government is stable, and has the confidence and support of the majority of the people.” – The Vibes, June 17, 2021
