THE Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham) expresses deep concern over the grave situation of a potential declaration of a state of emergency in Malaysia.

There is so much confusing media coverage of this possibility, creating great insecurity as well as shaking domestic business and investment confidence.

Proham is of the opinion that the existing laws on health safety and movement of people within districts, states and across countries are sufficient.

We feel the effective role of the Ministry of Health and government agencies must be further intensified.

A stronger private sector, local communities and ordinary people support through clearer communications strategy is of utmost importance.

In crisis periods, the support of all the political parties and leaders – especially bipartisan support through joint taskforce action – is imperative, as well as parliamentary oversight for more effective governance and accountability.

Proham is of the opinion that fundamental liberties, democracy and parliament should not be suspended in order to address the increase in Covid-19 cases.

In fact, the opposite must take place so that there is greater transparency of data, enhanced multi-stakeholder partnership and action in order to instil greater co-operation of all stakeholders in addressing a health pandemic, which has caused great disruption to the livelihood of ordinary people and now leads to a political crisis of legitimacy.  

Proham calls on all Malaysians to be aware of the grave situation we are in and ensure that a holistic approach is necessary to overcome this pandemic, which requires the support and not suppression of the people’s role.

What we are facing is a health not a security issue and, hence a state of emergency sought by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin under the name of Covid-19 is unwarranted. – October 24, 2020.

* Proham is a civil society organisation committed to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.