KUCHING – Sarawakians should not assume that life is normal with the imposition of the recently gazetted Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021, said Parti Bumi Kenyalang president Voon Lee Shan, who warned about the federal government possibly taking advantage of it.
Voon said the emergency proclamation was made under Article 150(1) of the federal constitution, and as in any other country, the government may take advantage to introduce laws to grab and destroy private property without compensation.
He said Section 3(1) of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 is arbitrary to rights to property because as long as the emergency is in force, notwithstanding any provision in the federal constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or any person authorised by the Agong may “take temporary possession of any land, building or movable property or part of any land, building or movable property and may give such directions as appear to him necessary or expedient in connection with the taking of possession of that land, building or movable property”.
“It may not be surprising that through this emergency, the Senari and Baram ports and many strategic buildings and places be placed under the full control of the federal government,” he told The Vibes today.
“Perhaps native customary rights land may also be taken away from their landowners without any compensation. Although all these ‘measures’ are said to be temporary under the law, how long will it be for?
“The emergency also empowers the government to suspend civil liberties and human rights. This can bring dictatorship or dictatorial rule against the state because many powers of the state government could also be taken away.”
Voon also said the implementation of emergency law can invariably lead to restrictions on normal economic, civil or political activity.
“I have written a letter to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to make representation to the Agong not to impose any emergency action in Sarawak.
“To combat Covid-19 in Sarawak, strict adherence to standard operating procedures and lockdown at certain affected areas should be sufficient.” – The Vibes, January 16, 2021
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