KUALA LUMPUR – Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, in a veiled swipe at the Malaysian Bar, said there are quarters trying to make their own interpretations of the law to gain popularity among the people.
He said the government is saddened by such “mengikut selera sendiri” (according to one’s own liking) tactics when authorities are putting in a great deal of effort to address the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I call on the Malaysian Bar and all law practitioners to act in accordance with the law, including providing enlightenment and understanding about the law to the community.
“As a professional legal body, I am confident that the Malaysian Bar will continue to uphold the principles of justice and rule of law, and oppose efforts to distort the rule of law, especially when the country is currently facing the continuous spread of Covid-19.
“It should be emphasised that the emergency ordinance applies only when the country is under the emergency period, which will end on August 1.”
He said the emergency is a focused and serious move by the government to strengthen efforts to eradicate Covid-19, including the immediate enactment of necessary ordinances.
Last Friday, the Malaysian Bar initiated legal proceedings against the Malaysian government seeking five court declarations against provisions within the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021.
Bar president A.G. Kalidas said the emergency ordinances have created an imbalance between the levels of accountability and power to which they are subjected.
His statement outlined the six reliefs being sought at the high court by the bar, including the ordinances relating to literal interpretation of the emergency proclamation; the punishment of a RM500,000 fine and maximum two-year imprisonment for those found guilty of creating, spreading, offering and publishing fake news; and the federal and state governments allowed to use consolidated funds without legislative approval. – The Vibes, April 21, 2021
