Will the government declare a health emergency?

KUALA LUMPUR: Is it possible that the government will declare an economic emergency?

That is the speculation that has been spreading following the Special Cabinet Meeting in Putrajaya, this morning.

The Singapore newspaper, the Straits Times, quoted several unnamed sources as saying that today's meeting was to discuss some proposals related to the tabling of the 2021 Budget scheduled next month at a time when the country is 'at war' with the third wave of COVID-19.

One option at the moment is an economic emergency, which could thwart the possibility of an election, thus giving the Perikatan Nasional (PN) more time to handle the COVID-19 pandemic without being disturbed by the political crisis.

“It was not the same as the emergency in 1969, where the military took over.

"On the other hand, life as usual continues under the control of the movement but without political intervention," the source said.

The declaration of emergency will result in the suspension of Parliament, the executive branch of government will be given special powers deemed necessary for the peace of society.

The newspaper also claimed that the Malay Rulers have been advised of the possibility of the special powers given to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Malaysia has only been through a state of emergency once, namely during the racial riots in 1969.

The emergency was declared when the British rule in the Malay Peninsula in 1948, during the battle with the Communists.

Another option is to submit a 'unity budget' as an immediate measure to address the economic problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Star newspaper quoted an anonymous source as revealing other proposals in today's Cabinet meeting regarding the introduction of specific laws to stop the surge in COVID-19 infection.

Constitutional expert, Professor Dr Shamrahayu A Aziz today explained the definition of emergency in the context of the Malaysian Constitution.

An emergency brings a state of security, economic and public order that cannot be controlled through a normal administrative system.

A declaration of emergency is a proclamation made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong through a gazetting that such a situation has existed or is imminent.