Emergency: Time to prove ability to adapt to political prudence - Analyst

KUALA LUMPUR: The proclamation of emergency by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, is the best time for politicians from both the government bloc and the opposition to prove their maturity.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) political analyst, Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, thinks that it is not impossible if all parties put their services and devotion to the people above other aspects.

"This is an opportunity to prove they can work together for the sake of the people and stop all political elements to focus on the country's redevelopment efforts.

"This is also a time for them to show prudent political spirit with their role in advising the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and not to look at efforts to strengthen their respective governments or parties.

"If this can be done, then the purpose of check and balance throughout the emergency period can be translated into improvements that need to be done," he said in Buletin AWANI today.

Dr Sivamurugan is also of the view that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin should be brave to take risks in making unpopular decisions if it is needed and is believed to benefit the people.

"What is important is to ensure that every decision is not on political grounds but to flatten the pandemic curve and reach out to the people.

"If the people's confidence can be gained, they will definitely accept every decision and steps taken.

"The current dilemma of the people is the Movement Control Order (MCO) which is implemented during the emergency. They need to be convinced that the limitations in the MCO can be overcome together under the implementation of the emergency," he added.