[ad_1]
KUALA LUMPUR: King Al-Sultan Abdullah of Malaysia said on Wednesday (February 24) that parliament may meet during a state of emergency, a move that could open the door for the opposition to cast a new vote of confidence to challenge the Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
Last month, the king declared a nationwide state of emergency that could last until August 1, as Malaysia struggled to control a surge in coronavirus cases after managing to contain infections for most of last year.
But the opposition accused Muhyiddin of using the emergency to maintain control during a power struggle, especially after he appeared to have lost his majority when two government lawmakers said they no longer supported him.
In a statement, the national palace said the king is of the opinion that parliament can meet on a date it deems appropriate and taking into account the advice of the prime minister.
The emergency ordinance, which supersedes the regular laws when in force, requires parliament to be convened, extended or dissolved on a date decided by the king and with the advice of the prime minister, the palace said.
“Therefore, the opinion of certain parties that the emergency proclamation prevents the convening of parliament is not accurate,” the statement read.
Commentary: Malaysia’s political carousel hits its economy
READ: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin receives COVID-19 as vaccine launch begins
The prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Muhyiddin’s 11 months in office have been plagued by infighting in his ruling coalition and a leadership challenge from opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, just as the country grappled with the economic and health crises caused by the pandemic.
READ: Anwar initiates judicial review on Prime Minister Muhyddin’s advice to the King of Malaysia on suspension of parliament
READ: Elections can be held in Malaysia when half the population is vaccinated against COVID-19: Khairy
If parliament were allowed to meet, the opposition could seek another vote of confidence and, if Muhyiddin lost, he would have to resign or seek the consent of the king to dissolve parliament, paving the way for an election.
The palace said the king accepted Muhyiddin’s request for an emergency declaration last month only as a “proactive measure” to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Malaysia had reported nearly 290,000 coronavirus infections and 1,076 deaths as of Tuesday, the third highest number of cases in the region behind Indonesia and the Philippines.
