Govt using COVID-19 as excuse to justify abuse of power, claims Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has voiced deep concern over reports that the government is seeking to implement measures to curb the Parliamentary process.

In a statement today, Anwar stated that the government which lacks legitimacy and has allegedly failed to demonstrate majority support in Parliament is using the COVID-19 crisis, ‘as an excuse to justify its abuse of power’.

“A state of emergency is declared when there is a threat to our national security,” said Anwar.

He strongly cited that the government is itself the source of that threat then a state of emergency is nothing more than the descent into dictatorship and authoritarianism.

“I strongly advise Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to consider the legacy of these actions he is taking out of self-interest and selfishness,” he added.

He opined that whilst the rest of Asia is looking for ways to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and reopen their economies safely, Malaysia is heading in the opposite direction.

“We have yet to see a solid strategy to handle the crisis and on the back of growing criticism, the government thinks a receding democratic power is the best strategy,” said Anwar.

To overcome COVID-19, what we need is transparency, accountability and firm action by the various ministries,” he said, matter-of-factly, to the question of what solid strategy for the government to adopt in addressing the current health crisis.