KUALA LUMPUR – The Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s refusal to declare a state of emergency shows that he has taken on a proactive constitutional role, a constitutional lawyer told The Vibes.
“This statement by the Agong is excellent because he has clearly exercised his power under Article 150 (1) and (2) of the federal constitution. He isn’t satisfied that there is an imminent threat to the country that warrants an emergency,” said Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos.
He pointed to the fact that it may be the first time that royalty is playing its role under Article 150, as the decision on whether an emergency is to be declared is not left solely to the executive.
With regard to the upcoming tabling of Budget 2021, Jahaberdeen is confident that the government will not face obstacles in Parliament, given that Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has ordered politicians to stop politicising the matter.
“The Budget can be debated in Parliament, but not politicised. Basically, the debate on Budget 2021 will be focused on coming up with a good Budget for the people.”
If politicians maintain their focus on the Budget and battling Covid-19, he said, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin should not fear a vote of no confidence, as the matter would fall into politicking.
However, former Institute for Development Studies CEO Datuk Johan Arriffin took a different stance, saying there has yet to be a solution to the ongoing crisis.
“The Agong’s statement is quite general and has nothing specific. The solution is not there, just guidance.
“Politicians are expected to sort it out themselves with a priority towards the current Covid-19 pandemic.”
On the government’s future, Bridget Welsh of University of Nottingham Malaysia believes this move by Muhyiddin may have affected his internal support.
“We have to watch how different actors move forward. First, we have to see what’s happening with Umno, as they clearly had different positions publicly on this issue, which may result in them choosing alternative forces.
“Second, we have to see how Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim responds, and the other Pakatan Harapan components, as they may take different approaches from Anwar.”
She added that the successful passing of the Budget will send a message to the public that the nation’s stability is prioritised.
The Conference of Rulers met at Istana Negara this afternoon to decide whether a state of emergency should be declared, following a recommendation by Muhyiddin.
However, in a turn of events, the Agong said there is no need for an emergency declaration, and urged politicians to stop politicking. – The Vibes, October 25, 2020
