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PETALING JAYA: A group of experts warned against an emergency declaration and suspension of Parliament, saying it is bad for both the economy and democracy.
In a statement, the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) said it was concerned about news reports that a state of emergency may be declared and this includes the suspension of Parliament.
Speculation about an emergency declaration and the extension of Parliament have abounded after a special Cabinet meeting held yesterday.
“It will hamper business confidence, further worsening the already negative economic outlook after the events of the year,” said IDEAS Executive Director Tricia Yeoh.
Covid-19 has already caused Malaysia’s economy to contract for the first time since the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, hitting businesses and the B40 more critically.
“A national emergency will only further exacerbate the difficulties faced by small business owners, increase unemployment and threaten economic growth.”
Suspending Parliament, he added, would reduce the government’s decision-making responsibility, diverting huge powers to the executive and further undermining the government’s legitimacy.
Yeoh added that the upcoming 2021 Budget must also be vetted by elected representatives, debated and approved. This cannot happen if Parliament is suspended.
While the Covid-19 situation has worsened, Yeoh said it did not justify the suspension of democratic institutions, as Malaysia already has the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act of 1988 (Law 342) to handle such situations.
“Furthermore, if companies are allowed to operate as usual and no curfews are imposed, the speculated reason for the Emergency will be that it is being imposed for political reasons, which will erode public confidence in the current government.
“The absolute power vested in the Executive is a slippery slope that can lead to further suspension of civil liberties and good governance practices.”
Meanwhile, Kluang Wong Shu Qi deputy said that an emergency would be detrimental to the country’s democracy in the coming years.
“We don’t need to rush to declare a state of emergency just because the people in power want to hold onto their positions.”
