KUALA LUMPUR – A move to invoke stricter measures under an "emergency", purportedly to manage both the Covid-19 pandemic and Malaysia’s political instability, would further divide Malaysians and many would see it as a sign of weakness, not strength.
In asserting this, political analyst Bridget Welsh, who is honorary research associate at University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute-Malaysia, said it would only signal weakness on the part of the authorities.
“(It is) not clear how an ‘emergency’ decision is justified beyond supporting personal power interests or improving governance," she said on the widely speculated decision of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's cabinet today.
“The move won’t address elite politicking. It might even expand this further," she said.
“It is important to look at provisions and implementation, but this (speculated) decision has not instilled confidence to date.”
Prof James Chin of University of Tasmania said the reported move appears to be a clever strategy by the current leadership to resolve two issues with one stroke.
He told The Vibes that should such an announcement be made by Muhyiddin, it would end opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s challenge to take over the reins of government.
“This could actually be a very clever move by Muhyiddin, because he would resolve two issues with one stroke.
“One, of course, is that it would put an end to Anwar’s challenge against him for the office of prime minister. Secondly, it would enhance his power, not only in dealing with Covid-19, but also critics around the country.
“Muhyiddin would also be quite clever to do it on a Friday, because he knows there would not be a market reaction for three days from now, until Monday.
“I think it is important to note that the word ‘emergency’ might not be used. Therefore, it is very likely that he could claim it to not be an emergency, but simply to enhance (his power) in dealing with Covid-19.
“But in terms of practical outcomes, it would be almost like an emergency.”
If this materialises, he said, it would be seen as enhancing not just the powers of the government, but also Muhyiddin as the most powerful person in the nation.
“It would go to show that a lot of people are underestimating Muhyiddin.
“He is not so easy to be deposed, and the person who would pay the price for underestimating Muhyiddin would be Anwar.”
Asked whether Putrajaya might invoke the National Security Act 2016 instead, Chin said doing so would see human rights groups’ fear of the law being abused for political expediency realised.
A special cabinet meeting was called this morning by Muhyiddin, and among the officials seen leaving the Perdana Putra building in Putrajaya were Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun and Defence Forces chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang.
According to Bernama Radio, Muhyiddin arrived at Istana Abdulaziz in Kuantan for an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at 4.40pm.
The Star reported that the prime minister was expected to present a proposal for an emergency at 5pm. – The Vibes, October 23, 2020
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