KUALA LUMPUR – The Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s role of providing checks and balances to the government must be respected so as to uphold justice and counter attempts at power abuse, said the Conference of Rulers.
The rulers, in a statement issued hours after they met with the king to discuss the prime minister’s proposal for a state of emergency to be declared to contain Covid-19, emphasised the importance of looking after citizens’ welfare.
“The rulers also stress the importance of the principles of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy being interpreted through the government, that at all times, upholds the federal constitution and laws, and prioritises the welfare of the common people.”
The statement, issued by Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, confirmed that the meeting was attended by all sultans except for Kelantan’s Sultan Muhammad V.
The Agong has rejected the bid to declare an emergency, saying he trusts in the government’s ability to implement policies and conduct enforcement to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
When contemplating whether an emergency should be imposed, said the rulers, the Agong exercised wisdom and good judgment during their discussions, taking into account the serious implications of the government’s request for the country’s image, including to investors.
Expressing their gratitude to the Agong for including them in the decision-making process, the rulers said it was done in the spirit of unity as endorsed in Islam.
“In the meeting, the rulers gave their thoughts and shared their opinions openly and respectfully, so as to provide a guide and reference to help His Majesty decide.” – The Vibes, October 25, 2020
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