YANG di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has declared a state of emergency for the country until August 1 to curb the increasing number of Covid-19 infections.

The king consented to this after granting an audience to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who carried a proposal from the cabinet yesterday.

Comptroller of the royal household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said in a statement the Agong consented to the state of emergency as the increase in Covid-19 cases of up to four digits daily, which pushed the healthcare system to a breaking point.

“His Majesty has given his consent for the proclamation of emergency to be implemented as a proactive measure to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.

“His Majesty also consents to the period of emergency implementation until August 1, 2021 or until an earlier date when the daily Covid-19 positive cases can be controlled and lowered effectively,” the statement said.

This announcement comes after Muhyiddin said yesterday six states will be placed under the stricter movement-control order (MCO) with another six under the conditional MCO, for two weeks from tomorrow.

The Agong agreed to the decision upon consultation from Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali, Attorney-General Idris Harun, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador, armed forces chief Affendi Buang, director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah and Election Commission chairman Ghani Salleh. 

The king also consulted with the Malay rulers before agreeing to declare a state of emergency as the country is facing constraints in terms of supplies.

“It should be noted that this agreement has also taken into account the views of the Malay rulers. This consent also takes into account the personal safety of the people and the interests of the country.

“It is also based on current Covid-19 statistics, particularly the constraints of logistics facilities according to the states that have been presented during the briefing session,” said Istana Negara.

The ruler consented to the government’s proposal for an independent committee made up of lawmakers and health experts to advise the king on the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Al-Sultan Abdullah also agreed with the government’s proposal for the formation of an independent committee which will be composed of government and opposition MPs as well as health and related experts. 

“This independent committee will recommend to His Majesty if the implementation of this emergency can be terminated earlier.” 

This comes amid the Perikatan Nasional government facing pressure from its ally, Umno, which threatens to pull out of the coalition by the end of the month. 

Umno MPs have indicated they will withdraw support for Muhyiddin following Kelantan Umno chief Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub’s move last week. Padang Rengas MP Nazri Abdul Aziz was slated to have a press conference later today to do the same. 

However, the emergency declaration will ultimately mean the suspension of Parliament until August and ends the possibility of having snap elections.

This also would mean Muhyiddin won’t face a vote of no confidence, which buys the ailing prime minister some time to strengthen PN. – January 12, 2021.