KUALA LUMPUR – Parliament is allowed to convene during the emergency when deemed suitable by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, with the advice of the prime minister.
In a statement released by Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, Istana Negara said the matter is enshrined in sub-paragraph 14(1)(b) of the Emergency Ordinance (Essential Powers) 2021, which states that Parliament shall be called, prorogated and dissolved on a date deemed suitable by the Agong and on the advice of the prime minister.
The king granted an audience to Dewan Negara Speaker Tan Sri Rais Yatim and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun at the palace today.
During the audience, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah stressed that Malaysia is a constitutional democracy, and the executive, judiciary and legislature must always abide by this principle.
The statement said the perception of some quarters that the implementation of the emergency has prevented Parliament from convening is inaccurate.
It said the king consenting to an emergency declaration on January 12, following the prime minister’s advice, was a proactive measure to curb the Covid-19 pandemic, which has claimed more than 1,000 lives in Malaysia.
The Agong also discussed issues regarding the culture and conduct of Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara members when debating, so that their actions are always highly regarded.
His Majesty expressed his appreciation to the government, particularly the Health, and Science, Technology and Innovation Ministries and related agencies, for their efforts to ensure the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme began today.
He also conveyed his gratitude to health frontliners for their sacrifices amid the coronavirus crisis.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in a special address in conjunction with the proclamation of the emergency, said the cabinet advised the Agong to declare a nationwide emergency in accordance with Article 150(1) of the federal constitution, effective January 11 until August 1.
Article 150(1) provides, among others, that the king can declare a state of emergency if he is satisfied that a grave emergency is taking place, causing security, economic life or public order in the federation to be threatened.
Muhyiddin said the government will function as usual at the federal and state levels throughout the emergency, and that the declaration will not disturb the administrative machinery. – The Vibes, February 24, 2021
