KUALA LUMPUR – An online petition urging the government and Conference of Rulers not to declare a state of emergency has gained traction, getting close to 6,000 signatures at the time of writing.
Such a move will “devastate the psychological and economic well-being of the nation”, it said, listing three points.
The petition, on change.org, said an emergency declaration will hinder collective participation.
“It is through the collective participation of all entities of our society that our nation will survive and thrive.
“A state of emergency will stem collective participation, where only certain leaders are allowed to provide solutions to the pandemic, or permission for what they believe will work.”
It said a state of emergency will result in the country being perceived as authoritarian, driving away foreign investors.
“Global and local economics are tied heavily to the psychology of investors and the nation.
“A state of emergency takes away such confidence, whereby the government is seen as authoritarian, ambiguous, unstable and punitive.”
The third point raised is the erosion of democratic principles.
Nations are able to prosper “psychologically and economically” only when full democratic participation is allowed, it said.
Former Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof is among those who have shared the petition, which was started by Dr Brendan Gomez, listed as a consulting psychologist and US Fulbrighter, seven hours ago. – The Vibes, October 24, 2020
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