KUALA LUMPUR – DAP lawmakers have called on MPs from both sides of the divide to stop training their guns on one another, and instead, focus their efforts towards combating Covid-19.
This follows the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree for a political ceasefire, after His Majesty decided against Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s proposal for an emergency to be declared.
The king made the decision following a meeting with the Malay rulers at Istana Negara this afternoon.
DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, in a statement, said it is incumbent that all parliamentarians unite to wage an “all-of-government” and “whole-of-society” war against the coronavirus.
“All MPs must be single-minded to ensure that we save lives and livelihoods in this ‘once-in-a-century’ catastrophe of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The Iskandar Puteri MP said the Agong’s decision not to agree to the government’s proposal that an emergency be declared demonstrates how the system of constitutional monarchy is an important bulwark of parliamentary democracy.
“Malaysians from all walks of life thank the Agong for deciding not to declare a state of emergency after a special meeting with the Malay rulers today.”
Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, in a Facebook post earlier today, said the political turmoil roiling the nation is indicative of what will happen should politicians wield unchecked powers.
“The current situation is a clear indication of what will happen when the power to rule is left entirely to politicians only.”
DAP vice-chairman M. Kula Segaran said the king’s decision brings relief to all Malaysians.
“Thank you, Tuanku, for always being the people’s king and doing what’s best for the nation. A decision that comes as a relief to all Malaysians.
“Let’s put aside politics and work to curb the spread of Covid-19 and focus on nation building,” tweeted the Ipoh Barat MP. – The Vibes, October 25, 2020
