SARAWAK’S rights could be eroded, like what happened during the 1970s emergency, if the king consents to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s request to declare an emergency, said the Advocates Association of Sarawak.

He said a state of emergency will allow Putrajaya unfettered power to issue directives and formulate laws that could encroach onto state matters.

“The situation that our country is facing now with the Covid-19 pandemic is indeed a serious matter, which requires a proportionate and adequate response.

“That is already, to a large extent, being done with the laws that are currently in force and the reaction of the frontliners in tackling this menace.

“The said pandemic is not a security issue,” Ranbir said.

He said there has been no violence or threat to the security of the nation as a result of it.

Echoing the view expressed by the Sabah Law Society, Ranbir said a proclamation of emergency should be issued only when the security, economic life or public order in the federation or any part it, is threatened.

“To the best of our knowledge such circumstances do not exist.

“The battle against Covid-19 should not be a foundation for a declaration of emergency.

“We emphasise that the present laws available and enforced have proven thus far to be capable of controlling and reducing the spread of Covid-19 as has been seen by their implementation during the first wave and their ongoing implementation.” – October 24, 2020.