End of emergency: lawmakers must be prepared to pull country out of political imbroglio

KUALA LUMPUR – The coming months will be a “test of conscience” for politicians regardless of their affiliations as the country inches ever closer to a possible return to a state of non-emergency.

Speaking to The Vibes, observers said it is the moral and ethical duty of lawmakers to ensure the country does not get mired even deeper in political imbroglio amid the Covid-19 pandemic should the Yang di-Pertuan Agong decide against extending the emergency.

The proclamation, which came into effect on January 11, is set to expire on August 1.

Concerns have been raised by certain quarters within the government that with the reconvening of Parliament, there is a possibility that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s position as prime minister would be called into question once again.

At present, Muhyiddin is said to only hold a very slim majority in the lower house, and could lose power if Umno decides to pull the plug on the Bersatu president.

This explains Pengerang MP and Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said’s statement on May 27 calling for Parliament to reconvene without the tabling of confidence motions.

Former federal counsel Prof Datuk Salleh Buang said with lives at stake, the priority now should be for both benches to declare a temporary ceasefire to avoid hindering efforts against Covid-19.

“Perhaps for the first time, MPs should bury the hatchet and call for a political ceasefire for six to nine months.

“Don’t try to topple the government during this period and let’s fight the pandemic together. Once we achieve herd immunity and cases are under control, then, by all means, you can start your ‘war’.

“But at this important juncture, please don’t table any motions of confidence or question the legitimacy of the government. Focus should be on Covid-19.”

With no way to block a confidence motion from being filed in Parliament, Salleh urged all parties to give an undertaking – with the opposition pledging not to table such a motion in return of the government reconvening Parliament.

Although the law does not allow motions from being blocked from submission, unless they do not fulfil parliamentary conditions, Rule 15 of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders provides that government business shall have precedence over private members’ business.

Salleh said while these motions can be pushed back in the order paper, it does not stop MPs from raising the issue during sittings, which he said would take away the focus from the issue at hand, namely Covid-19 and economic recovery.

Prevent escalation of crisis in Parliament

Universiti Malaya academician Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi suggested a confidence and supply agreement (CSA) between the government and opposition bloc in the event the emergency ends and Parliament reconvenes.

He proposed that under this agreement, the government should be allowed to carry on with its businesses without worrying that a no-confidence motion would be tabled against the prime minister.

In return, Awang Azman said equal funding should be given to all opposition constituencies to combat the pandemic, among several other proposals.

“In a situation like we are in today, perhaps the solution is through confidence and supply. Then again, how far this agreement will be honoured is a different matter.”

Awang Azman was commenting on the possibility that the emergency may be lifted soon, allowing Parliament to finally sit after months of suspension, following high-level meetings between the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and top leaders of major political parties.

His Majesty’s online audiences with party leaders from East Malaysia yesterday marked an end to a busy week at the Istana Negara.

The Agong will next hold a special meeting with other Malay rulers tomorrow before coming to a decision on the emergency and other issues.

Asked if he believes the Agong will lift the emergency as scheduled on August 1, Awang Azman said: “If we look at current public sentiment, I believe this will be the case.

“As a ruler, I believe His Majesty will listen to the plight of the rakyat on the ground, who have become restless with the way the pandemic is being handled.

“And I believe the Agong knows that there are many issues of public interest that need to be discussed and answered in Parliament, as well as ensuring checks and balances.”

He added that the lack of a Covid-19 exit strategy until now could be the highlight of the Malay rulers’ discussion. – The Vibes, June 15, 2021