THE Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre) denounces the move by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in calling a “medical emergency” to combat Covid-19, as it is a desperate attempt by his unelected administration to stay in power, and a misuse of the powers granted to the position of prime minister.
C4 Centre also lauds the decision of the Agong yesterday that there is no need for the declaration of an emergency to combat Covid-19 in Malaysia.
In a statement issued by the royal comptroller, it was noted that the upcoming Budget 2021 is more crucial than ever, as it will allow frontliners to continue their work.
His Majesty had also called for any politicking that will affect the running of the country to be stopped immediately.
It bears reminding that the endless politicking, starting from the “Sheraton move”, followed by a failed power grab in Sabah that led to a state-wide election, remains the primary reason behind the surge in Covid-19 numbers.
C4 Centre supports this call, agreeing fully that parliamentary democracy must go on, and that the running of the country should not be halted due to the actions of politicians looking to hold on to their power by abusing it.
October 23 saw Muhyiddin meeting with the Agong, with news outlets reporting that the audience was for the prime minister to advise His Majesty to agree to the declaration of a state of emergency in Malaysia to combat the Covid-19 pandemic that has seen increasing numbers over the past week.
With the statement of Deputy Energy and Natural Resources Minister Ali Biju, who said that “only Parliament would be suspended and political activities limited”, it is even more likely the bid for a declaration of emergency is a political move, rather than one for controlling the number of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia.
Thus, the bid for an emergency is nothing more than a blatant abuse of the powers granted to the prime minister.
C4 Centre calls for Parliament to perform its true function as a legislative check and balance, and for MPs to actively and fully participate in addressing the issue of Budget 2021, which is a matter on the minds of Malaysians in this time of uncertainty.
C4 Centre would also like to express its concerns over the possibility of horse trading in order to buy cooperation, especially in light of the option for Muhyiddin to forge a confidence and supply agreement.
A guarantee that this will not happen is a start towards further transparency in the governing body of Malaysia. – The Vibes, October 26, 2020
The Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism is an independent, non-partisan and a non-profit entity.
