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QUESTION: The emergency declaration to control Covid-19 continues to be used as political fodder, even by partners of the PN government, allegedly because the PN government resorted to the emergency because it had lost majority support in Parliament. What is Tan Sri’s comment?
A: Yes, we first decided to advise Yang di-Pertuan Agong based on reasons that are quite reasonable and appropriate for this time. If you remember, when we wanted to do it the first time, His Majesty did not consent, but agreed the second time. Why? Because the Covid-19 situation was very worrying; it still worries us.
That is why we request the emergency declaration, so that with it we can use the provisions of the Emergency Ordinance to manage the Covid-19 problem faster. This is because with the Emergency Ordinance, the government can propose amendments to various laws or new matters to be enacted in the form of an ordinance, which will be taken to the Cabinet and then to the Agong.
Agong gives his consent, it is published the next day and can be implemented. We can, if we want to, wait for the Parliament process, but it usually takes a long time, but with Covid-19 you can’t wait until tomorrow; must be resolved today.
Quick changes to the laws
That is why when we make the decision to enforce, we amend Law 342, Law 446. Law 342 is about health, for example, if previously the maximum fine was RM1,000, large or small (crimes) RM1,000 only. It has been modified to provide for a maximum of RM10,000 or, for businesses and the like, it can go up to RM50,000. What is the purpose? To control and enforce to verify violations, etc.
Or previously the army cannot make arrests; if they want to help the police, they can’t do anything. So, we empower them to stop and arrest in accordance with existing police powers.
Using private hospitals
But these are not normal times, our hospitals are at a breaking point and running out of capacity. So what should we do? We build temporary hospitals, MAEPS for example. With this power, we can take temporary possession of private hospitals, including their beds, equipment, doctors and nurses. It can be done with this (ordinance); that’s why we use this approach.
But the good thing about our country is that although we have this Law, they are willing to help voluntarily. We now have 1,300 additional beds; calculate how many millions we have to spend if we want to build 1,300 (beds).
We can use (your) ambulances, which are unlikely to be provided to us, but due to the act of emergency, we can use them.
Housing compliance for foreign workers
So there are many other matters that we have done, and then we found out that one of the main issues in this Covid-19 battle is non-compliance with Law 446 by employers.
What is Law 446? It deals with human resources; In the ministry of human resources there is a law that obliges employers to provide adequate accommodation (for workers). Almost 70% did not comply. Without Covid-19 it might not be obvious, but when Covid-19 hit, the breach caused cases to flare up here and there.
Fake News Action
Now that we have made a small amendment to the law, we can act quickly. What we want to present to the Agong for his consent now is about (combating) Covid-19 fake news. We write the minutes in a week; the AG (attorney general) did it all, the Cabinet will approve it and it will be presented to the Agong. If Agong consents, signs it, and after it is published, authorities will have the power to stop, arrest or take immediate action against anyone who believes all kinds of Covid-19 stories that are fake news.
On his position as PM
What I am saying is that it does not mean that the emergency is intended for me to hold the post of prime minister for a long time. I also don’t know which party now has more seats than me. Previously, there was an attempt to display (the numbers) but it was not tested. I’m sure I have great support.
I am convinced that my position is constitutionally correct. Legal. I cannot be an illegitimate prime minister. I do my job well, that’s why. So, I’m not worried about it. But the emergency declaration was not a matter of policy. Some politicians see him as a politician, (but) no. The policy should not be used for an emergency, but this Covid-19 requires (declaration of) an emergency.
With the powers of the Emergency Ordinance, we can act more effectively; once (Covid-19) is resolved, we no longer need it. The previous emergency was an open emergency, no time period was set. I established August 1, but if it can be resolved early, the Independent Special Committee that was established says it can be done (raised), I will just follow.
“I’m not afraid of not getting the most”
Not that I want to occupy the seat for two years although the previous emergency lasted for two years. We do not need it. Once we have achieved what we set out to do, we will return to normal. We also don’t want to be forever restricted by such regulation. That is why my objective was not that. So, I hope people understand; It is not about being afraid of not getting a majority in Parliament.
People went to Parliament to challenge me, saying that I did not have the support of the majority. Our supplies (budget) bill was passed 27 times. I do not want to presume; is registered in Parliament, the 2021 budget was approved. How was it approved if there was no majority? So I hope people don’t hesitate, because I know my position and I’m just fulfilling my duty, the mandate to take care of the rakyat. This is what I am doing now.
P: Epidemiologists say that it will take about a year after the start of vaccination before normal life is restored. Do you foresee the general elections to be held this year?
A: You will be subject to all those things. First things first, of course, to make sure we can manage Covid-19. If the Covid-19 is flattened, it is said that the country is safe from this pandemic, that is what we hope. That is first.
The second question about when the emergency will end depends on the work of the Independent Special Committee, whose objective is just that. When there is information from the health authorities that everything is fine, most have been vaccinated or even if not all have been immunized but the rate has dropped to, let’s say, double digits; Then expert reports, epidemiologists say Malaysia is clear, okay, we will finish it.
It is not the government that will decide. The committee will inform the Agong, that now that it is over, we can end the emergency, return to normal.
And regarding the third question about the general elections, according to the constitution, when the ruling government feels that it is necessary to have a GE, the prime minister will advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve the Parliament. If the Agong gives its consent based on the advice, only Parliament will be dissolved.
Choices when the time is right
The question is when? Can you answer that? When the time is right; That’s why first things first, let’s fix this Covid-19 first. Do you see what happened in Sabah before? It didn’t bother us because our law says we have to hold (state) elections. So even up to now (Covid-19) is still not resolved.
Later, by-party elections were demanded there, that is, in Bugaya and Batu Sapi, (but) the fear of Covid-19 forced us to suspend the polls … so, the important thing is that we fix this first. When we’re done, I don’t want to wait a day. We are not concerned about anything, that is the most important thing.
