KUALA LUMPUR – Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has strongly opposed the proposal to declare an emergency on the grounds of the Covid-19 threat.
“The fact is that there is no need, according to public health and infectious diseases experts, to declare an emergency to deal with the threat of Covid-19,” said the party in a statement today.
Instead, Amanah said what the nation needs is preparing the public health service to deal with the third wave of Covid-19.
It also suggested an effective and clear communication strategy on all actions that the people need to take.
“In fact, the proposal to declare an emergency is a political action that seeks to take advantage of the third wave of Covid-19 disaster, and this will only add to the suffering that the people are already facing.
“A declaration of emergency will have a negative impact on the lives of the people, the country’s economy and affect Malaysia’s image in the eyes of international investors and the world community,” said the party in a statement today.
Amanah was responding to speculation yesterday that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin may declare an emergency.
The party expressed hope that the Yang Dipertuan Agong will reject Muhyiddin's proposal to declare a state of emergency and instead defend the institution of parliamentary democracy as well as save the institution of the Constitutional Monarchy from being dragged into disputes and political toying of the authorities.
“Amanah is confident that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has lost the support of the majority and this action aims to save himself from having to face the no-confidence motion in Parliament. He is also worried about the possibility of failing to get support for the presentation of the 2021 Budget.
“Muhyiddin resigning would be a more dignified and responsible action than an emergency declaration. This act will save the country from falling into a protracted power struggle,” it added. – The Vibes, October 24, 2020