KOTA KINABALU – The emergency proclamation today is viewed as a move to end attempts to unseat Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, rather than the pandemic.
Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin of DAP told The Vibes that the declaration is seen as more of a political act.
“This emergency is meant to stop a power grab at the federal level.
“So, the Agong may have consented to the proclamation of emergency to stabilise the political situation in the country, aside from curbing the spread of Covid-19.”
Muhyiddin, in a televised address this morning, said he is aware that there are parties calling for a general election, adding that the main factor for the emergency declaration is to curb the coronavirus crisis.
There will be an independent committee, comprising government and opposition MPs, as well as health experts, formed to advise the king on when to end the emergency.
Over the weekend, Umno’s Machang MP, Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub, withdrew his support for Muhyiddin.
The party is expected to decide on January 31 whether to end its political cooperation with Bersatu.
Muhyiddin survived a bid to oust him during the debate on Budget 2021 last month. – The Vibes, January 12, 2021
