Malay rulers recommend no extension to emergency

The Malay rulers have agreed that there is no need to extend the state of emergency beyond its expected deadline of Aug 1, one of several recommendations made in a special meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara today.

A statement by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Syed Danial Syed Ahmad said the rulers also agreed with the king that Parliament should be allowed to convene as soon as possible.

“Likewise, at the state level, they are of the opinion that state assembly sittings should be held as soon as possible,” it said.

“The methods and procedures currently being practised in other countries that have been proven to control the spread of Covid-19 should be introduced and utilised in this country.”

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah earlier said that a Parliament sitting should be held as quickly as possible to allow the emergency ordinances and National Recovery Plan to be debated in the Dewan Rakyat.

“His Majesty is very aware of the role of Parliament as an important platform for the people’s representatives to meet to discuss issues particularly related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Members of the Dewan Rakyat can discuss the allocations for government expenditure to help the people who are in need and to restore the country’s economy,” a statement by the Comptroller of the Royal Household, Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin had said.

In their statement, the Malay rulers also recommended that any bureaucracy surrounding the vaccination programme be reduced to ensure that the country achieves its target of 80% herd immunity as soon as possible.

“The political temperature which is on the rise should also be decreased.

“What is important is a stable government that has the confidence and support of the majority of the people,” the statement said.