KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has called on the government to allow Parliament to convene soon, in accordance with provisions in the federal constitution.
Although a temporary suspension of sittings is acceptable under the current emergency, Article 150(3) of the constitution stipulates that any move to proclaim an emergency ordinance must be tabled in both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara beforehand.
“Firstly, there must be a basis as to why there is a need to have an emergency,” he told an exclusive interview with Astro Awani yesterday evening.
“The polemics of the arguments are ongoing, and they have not been fully answered.
“Even (my successor) Tun (Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad) has questioned (the emergency) as existing laws are sufficient (to combat Covid-19).”
Najib was asked what he would do to address the coronavirus pandemic if he was still leading the government.
The Pekan MP said the country has yet to see the emergency’s efficacy in tackling the virus.
“Its (benefits) are unclear, and I have yet to see them. I don’t know.
“But the people are asking about the need for an emergency. There must be an advantage to tackling Covid-19, and this must be answered.”
He said a government must have political legitimacy before deciding to impose an emergency.
“It (government) must firstly have both formal and moral authority to function properly, and be accepted wholly.
“It cannot be focused merely on formal or political authority.
“For example, Mahatma Gandhi did not have a formal position, but his moral (authority) was very strong.
“This consists of strong support from the people and understanding of the reality that we (as leaders) have the backing of the rakyat.” – The Vibes, February 23, 2021
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