KUALA LUMPUR – After being criticised for his silence in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Datuk Seri Najib Razak (Pekan-BN) today joined the chorus calling for clarification on the government’s revocation of emergency ordinances.
The former prime minister said he, too, is confused over the “backdated revocation”, and questioned whether the matter underwent due process.
“In my opinion, the announcement yesterday was very confusing to the people.
“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong must give his consent to any revocation of emergency ordinances. However, that has not been clarified.
“If it is revoked, it must follow the due process of law, which means the cabinet has to advise the king, and when His Majesty approves of it, it has to be gazetted,” he told a press conference in the Parliament building.
The former Umno president also questioned the legitimacy of the Perikatan Nasional government from July 21.
Could the revocation have been done retrospectively as the implications of any action taken by the authorities after July 21 may be questioned or nullified in terms of the law?
“The revocation of the six ordinances, which include the main ordinance, could raise the question of the legality and legitimacy of the government from July 21.
“There’s a need for a clearer, more detailed explanation before the people and MPs ask more questions.”
Najib added that it will be his turn to speak on Thursday after Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz’s briefing on the government’s various economic and aid packages.
The one-liner by Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru-PAS) yesterday on the revocation of the emergency ordinances continues to trigger outrage and bewilderment in the House today.
MPs from both sides of the divide, including government backbenchers and Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Pengerang-BN), earlier today admitted that they were unaware of the so-called “cabinet decision” on the matter, as stated by Takiyuddin. – The Vibes, July 27, 2021
