[ad_1]
KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin assured Malaysians on Tuesday (January 12) that there will be no curfews or military rule in the country, following the declaration of a state of emergency on the same day to deal with the pandemic of coronavirus.
In a special speech broadcast on national television and social media platforms, the embattled prime minister also assured that general elections will be called as soon as the emergency is lifted, based on the recommendations of an independent committee.
The state of emergency is scheduled to last until August 1.
“The civil government will continue to function. The emergency proclaimed by the King is not a military coup and curfews will not be enforced,” said Tan Sri Muhyiddin.
The Perikatan Nasional government, whose parliamentary majority has been in doubt in recent days, had requested an emergency declaration to deal with the pandemic in October last year. This move, which was rejected by King Abdullah Ahmad Shah, drew criticism from Muhyiddin’s political rivals that he intended to suspend parliament and prevent early elections from being called.
On Tuesday, Muhyiddin said there will be no sessions of Parliament or the state assembly for the duration of the emergency. However, he vowed to hold general elections as soon as the Covid-19 crisis was under control.
“I give my firm commitment that general elections will be held as soon as the independent committee endorses that the Covid-19 pandemic has been alleviated or fully controlled, and the elections can be held safely. It will then be up to the public to choose. a new government, “he said.
He added that the Cabinet, state executive councils and government services will continue to function as usual.
“I give my assurance that the machinery of government and public services will not be affected by this emergency declaration,” he said.
Muhyiddin also said that the emergency order will also mean that the King can make the necessary decrees to address the pandemic, including an order for the government to take over private health centers if public hospitals become overloaded.
His speech came after a proclamation on Tuesday by Sultan Abdullah of Pahang, consenting to the emergency declaration after a meeting with Muhyiddin on Monday.
“Sultan Abdullah advises the public to remain calm, resist and (to) persevere in addressing the movement control and emergency order (MCO) for our own safety and interest,” said the Comptroller of the Royal Household. Istana Negara Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin in a statement on Tuesday, referring to movement restrictions to curb the growing cases of Covid-19.
The King also agreed to the government’s proposal to establish an independent committee made up of government and opposition deputies, as well as health experts, to “make recommendations to His Majesty if he deems it appropriate, that the emergency can be withdrawn before (the August 1) “. .
The emergency order comes a day after Muhyiddin announced that several states will be subjected to strict movement controls starting Wednesday to curb the rise in coronavirus infections. Johor, Melaka, Selangor, Penang, Sabah and the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan will be under the MCO until January 26.
Muhyiddin added that a recovery MCO, where social gatherings are allowed and businesses can reopen, will continue in Perlis and most of Sarawak.
He also said that three districts in Sarawak – Kuching, Miri and Sibu – as well as Pahang, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan will be under the conditional MCO, which prohibits social gatherings.
[ad_2]
