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PETALING JAYA: A high-ranking MP has suggested that Yang di-Pertuan Agong obtain the opinion of the Federal Court on whether the constitution allows the proclamation of a state of emergency and the suspension of Parliament to allow the prime minister to solve his political problems.
The suggestion came from DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, who is MP Iskandar Puteri. However, he did not elaborate on the matter.
Article 130 of the Federal Constitution establishes that the King may refer any matter to the Federal Court for it to issue an opinion on the effect of any provision of the constitution that has arisen or may arise.
Under the constitution, the King can declare a state of emergency if he is convinced that “there is a serious emergency whereby the security, economic life or public order of the Federation or any part of it is threatened”.
Lim’s question was whether a state of emergency could be declared so that a prime minister would solve his political problems.
He also questioned whether the Cabinet had presented the King with the option of an Emergency proclamation, without suspension from Parliament.
There has been widespread speculation about a state of emergency, with opposition politicians accusing Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin of seeking an emergency declaration and suspension of Parliament to remain in power.
However, no details about the proposed state of emergency have been announced.
Earlier today, the Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said that the King will meet with the Malaysian rulers on the proposals raised by Muhyiddin in an audience with the King in Kuantan, Pahang, yesterday.
Fadil said that Sultan Abdullah understood the need for continuity in the country’s administration in the fight against Covid-19.
