THE Malaysian Bar today welcomes and hails Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s move to protect the interest of the rakyat by not declaring a state of emergency under Article 150(1) of the federal constitution.

Its president, Salim Bashir, said it echoed the views of the Malay rulers in stressing that there are already current laws and mechanisms with wide-ranging and comprehensive powers to manage the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Malaysian Bar, therefore, urges politicians and the public to adhere to the rule of law and the constitution, and to respect the royal decree,” he said in a statement today.

He added that the country’s peace and stability supersedes disputes between politicians, and that the nation needs to focus on the health and welfare of the rakyat.

“Sufficient support must be provided to doctors, nurses and all those involved in the fight against the invisible enemy,” he said. – Bernama, October 26, 2020.