Emergency will not help deal with COVID-19 - Dr Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR: The declaration of emergency will not stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than the measures already taken by the government at this time, said former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In a latest post on his blog www.chedet.cc, Dr Mahathir said the declaration of emergency will instead give more power to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The protem chairman of Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) claimed that what the prime minister was doing at the moment did not help reduce the political, economic, and social problems plaguing the country.

“He (Muhyiddin) has a big Cabinet, which does not contribute anything to the well-being of the people and the country.

"Whatever action is taken at this time is political. This government is not the one elected by the people.

“It took over power in an undemocratic way. And his priority at this time is just to stay in power,” said the Langkawi Member of Parliament.

COVID-19 as an emergency justification

Dr Mahathir claimed that COVID-19 was just an excuse used to delay the process of Parliament and to avoid any debate.

He added that COVID-19 will be a justification for declaring an emergency whereas the existing powers in the government are sufficient to deal with the epidemic.

"We do not see protests (about existing measures) by the people in the United States and Europe. Malaysians as a whole are obedient to measures such as the Movement Control Order (MCO),” he added.

‘Advantage is with Muhyiddin or ...?’

Commenting further, Dr Mahathir claimed that the Prime Minister was trying to realise the declaration of emergency because he was facing the possibility of being overthrown.

Dr Mahathir said the advantage would be in Muhyiddin's favour when Parliament became paralysed, and would say it was at the behest of the Palace.

"Currently, there are rumors that an emergency will cause the stock market to plummet. If it is declared, the stock market will be completely paralysed. Investors will not be convinced of the Prime Minister's ability to manage the country's economy.

"He also worsened the pandemic situation by trying to seize power in Sabah. This sharp increase is due to the Sabah State Election. And now the Sabah government has changed hands. What are the benefits to the people of Sabah?” Dr Mahathir asked.

He further commented that there were other countries where the problem of COVID-19 transmission was much worse than Malaysia but emergencies were declared in certain areas only.

"The move is specific to certain areas only. But no law and Parliament in that country will be suspended, as if Malaysia were to implement an emergency.

Many countries are in a worse situation

"There are no riots or violence in Malaysia, no violation of laws or orders that can justify the emergency.

“But there is something that can be done against the Government that takes power through undemocratic means,” he added.