A DAY after reinstating harsh movement-control restrictions, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the state of emergency proclaimed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this morning is aimed at giving the government more powers to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yesterday, he announced three different sets of lockdowns for the country.

“Parliament will be suspended during the emergency period and there will be no by-elections or state and national elections,” said Muhyiddin during his national address today.

Under the emergency, the government will be able to enact new laws to help it fight the pandemic, he said.

Muhyiddin, however, denies that the emergency is an attempt to seize power after losing majority support this week.

“But this emergency is not a military coup and curfew will not be enforced,” said Muhyiddin.

“The civilian government will continue to function as usual.”

Muhyiddin’s government lost majority support this week and is only backed by 110 MPs after Machang MP Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub withdrew his support from Perikatan Nasional.

The opposition, which is led by Pakatan Harapan, also has 110 MPs.

Muhyiddin said the emergency won’t affect the state and federal government administrations.

“The king, however, can enact further emergency ordinances to control the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Polls promise

The Bersatu president said this is not an attempt to suspend democracy although members of his government have been calling for fresh elections.

“I know that some parties have asked for fresh elections. It is not my intention to stop elections but the decision not to hold them now is in line with Islamic principles.

“Hence, I give my commitment that elections will be held as soon as the independent committee (to be formed for the emergency) decides that the pandemic is over.

“After that, it is up to voters to decide which government to elect,” said Muhyiddin.

Until then, the Pagoh MP urged politicians to set aside their demands and “be with the people”.

And in a veiled reference to Umno, which has been seeking fresh elections, Muhyiddin said: “I give my commitment that the judiciary will continue to function as usual and I will not interfere int he business of the courts.

“The economy will continue, subject to the SOP. And this government will ensure that good governance continues,” said Muhyiddin, who became prime minister after toppling the Pakatan Harapan government last year.

According to Muhyiddin, he met the king yesterday to present the cabinet’s suggestion for an emergency proclamation. This is Perikatan Nasional’s second attempt at obtaining an emergency order to curtail the political attacks against it.

In October, the Agong rejected Putrajaya’s request for emergency powers to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. – January 12, 2021.