KUALA LUMPUR – The prime minister and cabinet must advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and seek his consent to let Parliament sit before the state of emergency ends, said former Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.
Ariff said in a statement yesterday that this is in line with Article 150(3) of the federal constitution, which touches on the proclamation of emergency and relevant ordinances.
The article stipulates that the proclamation and ordinances must be laid before both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara. It further states that if they are not sooner revoked, they shall cease to have effect if resolutions are passed by both houses annulling said proclamation or ordinances.
“This means that it must be done before the emergency expires on August 1.”
Ariff served as Dewan Rakyat speaker from July 2018 to July 2020.
His assertion comes after the Agong and Conference of Rulers opined that Parliament must be held soon and that it should serve as a platform to discuss government allocations to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and the people’s plight.
This was the outcome of a meeting of the rulers held at Istana Negara yesterday.
“The opinions given are highly appropriate and fitting, while reflecting the function of the Agong under the Malaysian constitution,” said Ariff.
“It covers His Majesty’s right to receive information, consult, and provide advice to the prime minister and cabinet on national matters.”
Menjunjung kasih atas wewenang Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong dan DYMM Raja-Raja Melayu melalui keputusan yang dizahirkan.
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) June 16, 2021
Saya menanti langkah selanjutnya dari kerajaan pimpinan @MuhyiddinYassin untuk mengadakan sidang Parlimen sesegera mungkin.
Opposition leader and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim lauded the king and Conference of Rulers on their decision.
“I am waiting for the next step by the government led by @MuhyiddinYassin to hold a parliamentary sitting as soon as possible,” he tweeted yesterday.
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also commended the rulers for their concern on the crisis faced by the country.
Zahid said he appreciates the Agong’s consideration in taking into account his concerns as Umno leader during his audience with the latter on June 11.
He added that he had explained to the king that Parliament must be allowed as a platform for the people’s voices.
“Umno presented that stand along with the need for the emergency to end on August 1 as the pitfalls are bigger for the country and without the emergency, the government can still handle issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic.” – The Vibes, June 17, 2021
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