KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah believes there is no need to declare an emergency at this time, whether for the whole or parts of Malaysia, said Istana Negara.
In a statement this evening, the palace said the king stresses that Budget 2021, to be tabled at the next parliamentary sitting, is of utmost importance in the fight against Covid-19 and efforts to resuscitate the economy.
“Financial allocation for frontliners, to allow them to carry out their responsibilities, is much needed.”
The Agong trusts in the government’s ability to implement policies and conduct enforcement to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
“Following discussions with the Malay rulers on the situation faced by the country, Sultan Abdullah feels that the government has dealt with the pandemic effectively.
“His Majesty reminds politicians to immediately cease all politicking that could affect the government’s stability.”
The statement comes after a meeting of the Malay rulers this afternoon that followed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s move to present the option of an emergency declaration to the king on Friday.
The prime minister, who has had motions of no confidence filed against him, purportedly mooted a state of emergency to stem Covid-19, but critics have accused him of seeking to prorogue Parliament.
“Sultan Abdullah is very concerned about the sudden rise in Covid-19 clusters and cases,” said the statement, adding that the Agong expresses confidence that “we can once again work together to fight the third wave of the coronavirus outbreak”.
The Agong urged everyone to set aside their differences and assist the authorities in tackling the virus crisis. – The Vibes, October 25, 2020
