THE Istana Negara has urged all Malaysians to remain calm and adhere to local laws following rumours that an Emergency may be proclaimed anytime soon.
In a statement, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah ibni Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Shah said he has yet to make a decision on proposals made by the government yesterday.
“I understand my subjects are facing a lot of pressure due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need for a stable administration to tackle the issue.
“Therefore, I call upon my subjects to stay calm and be patient while I deliberate on the issues at hand. In the meantime, please do not speculate on anything. Follow all standard operating procedures (SOP) to mitigate the effects of COVID-19,” he requested.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin called for a special Cabinet meeting at Seri Perdana. This spared speculation that the former was looking into declaring an Emergency due to a spike in the number of COVID-19 infection nationwide.
However, critics have said Muhyiddin was looking at the ‘nuclear option’ as it was rumoured that his political adversaries may be looking at dislodging his government by voting down Budget 2021 which was scheduled for tabling on Nov 6.
Conference of Rulers to meet soon
On the proposal to declare an Emergency, Sultan Abdullah did not make any mention of the matter, only stating that he had received several recommendations from Muhyiddin on how to deal with the on-going pandemic.
“In my meeting with the prime minister yesterday, which lasted about one and a half hour, Muhyiddin has presented several recommendations made by the Cabinet.
“I also share Muhyiddin’s concern on the rise of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia. However, I have informed the prime minister that I will need to deliberate the proposals with the Conference of Rulers first before making any decision.
“Therefore, I have consented to call for a special meeting with my brother Rulers soon to deliberate on the proposals,” he said.
Meanwhile, The Star reported that the Malay rulers will hold a special meeting tomorrow (Oct 25) at Istana Negara to discuss the government’s plan to declare an Emergency to tackle the worsening COVID-19 situation.
The meeting which is scheduled to start at 2.30pm will be informal and will only involve the Rulers. It will not include the Yang di-Pertua Negeri or any politicians at the meeting to seek the views of fellow Rulers.
“Palace sources said while His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had the final say on the declaration of Emergency, he will ask for the views of the Sultans,” added The Star.
Under Article 150 of the Federal Constitution, only the Agong has the power to declare an Emergency should there be a threat to security and economic life of the public.
