[UPDATED] What about fines issued under emergency past July 21, Guan Eng wants to know

KUALA LUMPUR – The government’s retroactive revocation of all emergency ordinances effective July 21, as announced by Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan today, has raised more questions than provided answers.

Opposition leaders poured scorn on the matter, calling into question the enforcement actions taken by the authorities after the said date, and asking whether Istana Negara has been notified of this.

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Port Dickson-PH) said if the revocation was done before informing the Malay rulers, it would be an insult to the royal institution.

“Major policy decisions must be tabled in Parliament for all MPs’ knowledge. I am also unsure if the matter has been assented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. If not, the announcement cannot be made.

“Is this a pasar malam (night market)? You can’t (just revoke ordinances),” he said after Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s explanation on the government’s National Recovery Plan.

Citing Article 150 of federal constitution, Anwar said the government has disrespected the spirit of the supreme law of the land with its action, adding that it is Putrajaya’s duty to lay before Parliament all ordinances promulgated.

“If even this can’t be respected, imagine how will they respect other matters. This is something basic and fundamental, the pillar of our constitution.”

Earlier, Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-PH) asked if the revocation of the ordinances means compounds issued after July 21 are nullified.

“As far as I am concerned, actions continue to be taken against the public by the authorities. This is very important. An explanation must be given,” he said, demanding an answer from Muhyiddin.

The DAP secretary-general asked if the revocation has been presented to the Agong.

Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong-PH) raised the issue of constitutionality, pointing out that under Article 150(7) of the constitution, any ordinance will remain for a period of six months after it has been rescinded.

Earlier in the sitting, Takiyuddin in a surprise announcement said the government revoked all emergency ordinances on July 21 and will not advise the king on extending the declaration beyond its scheduled end on August 1.

The revocation of the ordinances was done under Article 150(3) of the constitution, he said, and as such, the matter of annulling the emergency is no longer relevant. – The Vibes, July 26, 2021