BN demands emergency period shortened - Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) has demanded that the emergency period be shortened to enable the country's democracy to run better.

Its chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said it was to enable Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to sit in strict compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

"We demand that the emergency that has been proclaimed be shortened. We abide by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decree, but in the name of democracy, we must see the impact and mockery of foreign countries on the democratic and emergency system in Malaysia.

"We understand that the purpose of declaring a state of emergency, even on paper, is to see that COVID-19 is addressed, but if the night market can be opened, the mall can be opened, then the Parliament and DUN sittings can also continue," he said.

He said this while delivering a speech online in conjunction with the 74th MIC General Assembly here, on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk, urged the government to implement Undi 18 and automatic voting according to the previously agreed date.

"This must be implemented in accordance with the agreement that has been made in the Dewan Rakyat and also brought to the Dewan Negara.

"Of course the decision was made after scrutinising various legal and political aspects. However, when those aged 18 and above are only registered in September 2022, this was something beyond the agreement that had been made," he said.

Therefore, he asked the government not to use the COVID-19 pandemic to kill democracy in Malaysia.

“Find the best method so that those who are 18 years old can be given the right to vote.

“Don’t worry whether they will vote for the existing government or any other party, we must give the rights to young voters,” he added.

The media previously reported that automatic voter registration and eligibility to vote at the age of 18 is expected to be implemented only after September 1 next year.

Election Commission (EC) chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh said his party should be realistic with the current development and situation in the country which is generally still within the Movement Control Order (MCO) period to curb the spread of COVID-19.