Malaysia's state of emergency: What you should know

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah consented to the Proclamation of Emergency effective from 11 January 2021 to 1 August 2021.

In a special address by the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the proclaimed emergency ordinance from the King is specifically to curb the spread of COVID-19.

He emphasised that the proclamation is not a military coup and will not affect the functioning of federal and state governments.

He also promises that the judiciary will continue to function to uphold law and justice.

“The Perikatan Nasional Government will continue to defend the independence of the judiciary and will never interfere in the affairs of the courts. The judiciary will continue to be the beacon of justice in our country and I will never interfere in the business of the court.

“I give a firm commitment that the General Election will be held as soon as the Independent Special Committee, which will be established, certifies that the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.

“At that time, it is up to the people to choose which government is qualified to govern the country,” he said.

Here’s what you should know :

• The executive power of the Federation will cover matters within the jurisdiction of the state legislature except for any matter of Islamic law or Malay customary or on any matter of law or customs of the natives in Sabah or Sarawak, religion, citizenship and language. This is in accordance with the Clause 6A Article 150 of the Federal Constitution.
• An Independent Special Committee will be established to advise His Majesty in the event that the situation of the emergency worsens in the Federation to extend the period of the Proclamation of Emergency or terminate the Proclamation earlier than the set date.
• Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly will not convene until a time fixed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
• General-election, State Elections and By-Elections will not be held.
• The emergency ordinance will cover matters relating to the use of private hospital assets, temporary possession of land, buildings or movable property of a hospital private or makes a request for the use of private hospital resources for the purpose of treating COVID-19 patients.
• The Malaysian Armed Forces will also be empowered to help improve health-related functions during this pandemic. National border control will also be tightened by empowering military personnel other than police and immigration to arrest PATI and anyone who encroaches on the border country.
• To allow amendments to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and increase the effectiveness to curb the transmission of COVID-19. This includes increasing penalties or punishment for anyone who violates the law and regulations related to COVID-19 pandemic control.
• Ordinances aimed at combating economic sabotage, monopoly and excessive increase in the price of goods during pandemics can also be proclaimed by His Majesty. Stricter enforcement and heavier penalties can be imposed for this purpose.
• Economic activities will also continue to function subject to SOP and Movement Control Order in force.
• Regulatory organisation namely Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission, as well as Bursa Malaysia, will continue to play their role as catalysts, regulators and facilitators of companies and markets.

READ MORE: Emergency Proclamation: An Independent Special Committee will be established

Muhyiddin also calls for calm and trust towards the government in controlling the spread of COVID-19 pandemic throughout the emergency period.

He also warns that firm action will be taken for those who try to disrupt the government's efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy.

“To all the stakeholders keenly monitoring what is happening in Malaysia. I emphasise that Malaysia is open for business. In facing these challenging times, this Period of Emergency will give us much needed calm and stability, as well as enable us to focus on economic recovery and regeneration.

“We remain committed to good governance in these times and we have a robust and dynamic regulatory ecosystem.

“We must remember that the Government has a 6-stage strategy in place for economic recovery since March last year and was incorporated in the Budget 2021. Continued stability will enable us to sustain and build upon the economic recovery trajectory we have been working hard for since last year,” he said.