KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested that Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah not extend the state of emergency beyond August 1.
The PKR president said the emergency has been hard on the people, especially the poor.
“It is only causing losses for the country,” he told the press at Gate 2 of Istana Negara after his audience with the king this morning.
He said extending the emergency, declared in January to contain Covid-19, will only hinder the recovery of an economy hit hard by the pandemic.
“I have seen all the measures that can be taken to end the emergency.
“We plead for His Majesty to avoid extending the emergency as much as possible.”
The opposition chief said he is heartened that Sultan Abdullah is well aware of the goings-on in the nation and has sought the views of all political party leaders.
“I hope all parties – not just PKR, but also the government – take heed of the Agong’s decree.”
Asked if there will be a change of government, he said the matter was not brought up.
“That is an issue that does not arise at this point.”
During his hour-long audience with the king, Anwar said he presented data-based reports and research papers to support his call.
On Parliament reconvening, he said the Agong previously decreed that sittings can be held, provided that the government agrees.
“I have to explain this because there are different perceptions on this issue, as if Parliament should not be reconvened.”
Anwar expressed gratitude to the king for granting him an audience to share his views on current issues.
The Port Dickson MP left the palace grounds at 11.55am.
Prime Minister and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was the first to have an audience with Sultan Abdullah, arriving at Istana Negara at 7.47am. He left at 8.55am.
The Vibes on Monday reported that the Agong has invited all political party leaders to discuss the end of the emergency and reopening of Parliament in August.
It is understood that His Majesty was seeking counsel from his fellow Malay rulers on whether he should meet all MPs to ascertain if the present leadership and Perikatan Nasional government still hold the parliamentary majority.
It is believed that the Conference of Rulers is of the opinion that with the worrying number of Covid-19 cases and fatalities, and a healthcare system that is on the brink of collapse, it is evident that the emergency is ineffective. – The Vibes, June 9, 2021
