KUALA LUMPUR – The lack of explanation from Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan for yesterday’s revelation that all six emergency ordinances have been revoked dissatisfied multiple lawmakers, including Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching.
“We are not satisfied with the speaker for not demanding an explanation from the law minister after he said that all emergency ordinances have been cancelled on July 21,” she said at a press conference in Dewan Rakyat today.
During the special sitting yesterday, Takiyuddin revealed that Putrajaya had revoked all emergency ordinances, effective July 21.
“I’m disappointed. It seemed like the law minister was willing to explain his revelation. However, the speaker said to wait until Monday.
“Look at the meeting schedule, there is no slot for the law minister on Monday.
“An explanation from the government is very important, and it should be given as soon as possible,” she said.
Teo added that one of the emergency ordinances gives power to the government to appoint private healthcare clinics and facilities as Covid-19 assessment centres (CACs).
“We know this because we saw what happened at the Malawati Stadium CAC (in Shah Alam). It was overcrowded.
“Because of that, one of the efforts to address this issue was to appoint private clinics and facilities as CACs so crowds can be dispersed to other locations.”
Teo said that Selangor has at least 65 private clinics and facilities selected as CACs.
“What happens to them now that the emergency ordinances have been revoked? They no longer have the power and authority given to them under the emergency ordinance as CACs.
“What will happen if they issue orders to patients, such as orders to quarantine? They will not be able to do so as they no longer have the power under the ordinance.”
She said these issues cannot be delayed until Monday, as those private facilities and clinics have to know immediately whether they still have the power to give orders to patients who are Covid-19 positive.
“An explanation is needed from the speaker, and I hope he changes his mind and directs the government, whether it be the law minister or the prime minister, to provide an explanation now, not Monday,” Teo said. – The Vibes, July 27, 2021
