WITH the pandemic raging on and the state of Emergency still in force, an Umno leader queried on what was happening with the Special Independent Emergency Committee 2021 (SIEC).
“What is the latest feedback from SIEC? Their primary function is to update the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the pandemic crisis and when to revoke the Emergency.
“Has the committee met His Majesty and provided updates to him? And how many times have they held meetings since being formed on Feb 18?” asked its supreme council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi in a statement.
In February, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, with consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, proclaimed an Emergency to combat the rising number of COVID-19 infections.
He also promised that the Emergency would be lifted in August, with the SIEC formed to provide updates to the Ruler and advise His Majesty if the Emergency can be lifted sooner than scheduled.
The committee, chaired by former Chief Justice Tun Ariffin Zakaria, also comprise of academics and experts from various fields, including politicians from both sides of the aisle.
On that note, Puad urged the SIEC to provide accurate feedback to His Majesty so that the latter can make informed decisions based on science and real-time data.
However, the former deputy minister urged the Government to acknowledge the fact that the Emergency had failed in containing the spread of COVID-19.
“In fact, the infections cases are rising. In my view, I see no reason for the Emergency to be extended beyond the Aug 1 deadline.
“Hopefully, SIEC can advise His Majesty accordingly. Don’t let the Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad-led Committee for Ending the Emergency Declaration beat you guys to it,” Puad said in a jest. – May 17, 2021
