Emergency Proclamation: Stop throwing baseless accusations, respect Agong's concerns - PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin reminded all parties to stop making baseless accusations against the concern of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in consenting the Emergency Proclamation.

He said the Emergency Proclamation as proclaimed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong only aims to give certain powers to the government to manage the COVID-19 pandemic more quickly and effectively in order to protect the lives of the people.

"The Emergency Proclamation as proclaimed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is aimed at giving certain jurisdiction to the government to manage the COVID-19 pandemic more quickly, efficiently and effectively.

"Immediate action is being taken by the government under the provisions of the Emergency Ordinance currently in force.

“The Proclamation of Emergency by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has no purpose other than curbing the spread of COVID-19 more effectively and protect the lives of the people," he said in the Prime Minister's Special Message on Thursday.

Muhyiddin added that although there were some who tried to challenge the Emergency Proclamation in court, he always respected the system and legal process of the country based on the system of Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy.

"Although there are some who try to challenge the Emergency Proclamation in court, I believe that His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Head of State fully understands and respects the country's legal system and process.

"As the head of government, I too always respect our country's legal system and process based on the system of Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy.

"I would like to reiterate my commitment that I will advise His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament as soon as the outbreak of COVID-19 has subsided and the General Election is safe to be held," he added.

At the same time, Muhyiddin also called on all parties, whether from the government or the opposition, to work together to mobilise efforts to fight the COVID-19 epidemic regardless of political differences.