Emergency: The people need not be burdened with government problems - Prof Hamidin

KUALA LUMPUR: There is no such term as economic, political or health emergency.

According to Ilham Centre Research Fellow, Prof Dr Hamidin Abdul Hamid, an emergency only carries one purpose and it should not burden the people.

He explained that the people needed to be given early notice in whatever decision that was to be made.

"I am a little confused because most of the economic, political, or health emergency concepts are non-existent.

“And we have to admit, (in case of emergency) the suspension of Parliament must be done and the power placed under the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“But the question is, are we ready to face this situation? And are we already at the level of no turning back, or no negotiations, other than the declaration of emergency?

"We still have ample space, especially in the economic context, to negotiate just like when we face a pandemic problem, with Act 342 which can address this question," he said, referring to Act 342 (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988) .

Contacted through the Agenda AWANI program last night, Dr Hamidin also touched on the question of the need for a declaration of emergency when the country is currently focused on the 2021 Budget which is scheduled to be tabled on November 6.

He said the issue of the Budget should be discussed between stakeholders without the need to make a declaration of emergency.

"For me, a government should be able to deal with any issues by negotiating with other politicians to ensure that the country is at a good level, especially during COVID-19.

"Failure to do this shows that the ruling government has failed to solve the problem and the problem should not burden the people through the implementation of an emergency," he said.