[UPDATED] Agong gives consent to end emergency in Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has consented to end the emergency in Sarawak.

In a statement by Istana Negara today, Acting Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini said the Agong’s decision on the emergency was made after taking into account a request by Sarawak Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, and the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the Agong had also heard the views of Attorney-General (AG) Tan Sri Idrus Harun, and the heads of two related government agencies.

Also present with the AG were Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, Election Commission chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh, and National Security Council Director-General Datuk Rodzi Md Saad.

The statement came after Taib was granted an audience with the Agong yesterday.

Istana Negara also said the Agong had met with Ismail Sabri at 8am today for an hour-long pre-cabinet meeting at the palace.

Azuan said the Agong’s consent on the matter was made in line with Article 40 and 40(1A) of the federal constitution.

The palace explained that Section 2 of the Emergency (Essential Powers)(Sarawak) Ordinance 2021 provides the Agong with the discretion to end the emergency after consultation with the governor.

“His Majesty has raised his concern towards the risks of the spread of Covid-19, should a state election be held,” the statement read.

“In the Agong’s opinion, the country is still struggling with the threat of Covid-19 and the spread of the disease is still alarming.”

The palace added that the decision to end the emergency was “difficult” and “complicated”.

However, it said the Agong gave consent to fulfil the need for democracy and return the mandate to a government elected by the people.

“Verily, His Majesty has stressed that the safety and well-being of the people must be prioritised and placed above all self-interests and politics.” – The Vibes, November 3, 2021