A STATE of emergency paralyses the federal constitution and will not help Malaysia’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, said Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

“Only through reinforcement of a healthcare strategy can we improve our control over the pandemic,” he said in a statement today.

“I believe it would be more appropriate for the government to declare a ‘health emergency’, while also introducing a specific ordinance for such a purpose.

“For example, we can expedite the immunisation process and utilise the movement control order,” said the former Negri Sembilan menteri besar.

However, Malaysia is now in a state of emergency, where its constitution and Parliament are now rendered dysfunctional, said Mohamad.

Umno is supportive of the government’s efforts to control the Covid-19 outbreak, he said, but is also firm on restoring democracy and the democratic functions of the constitution.

“Malaysia is a successful democracy. In fact, Malaysia is the best example of a democratic country among all Muslim nations.

“Malaysia’s democracy must remain undefeated, be it by the pandemic or whatever challenges that may come forth to this country.”

Mohamad is among the latest Umno leaders who have come out to question the necessity for a state of emergency.

Last week, the Perikatan Nasional government, led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, announced a state of emergency less than 24 hours after similarly announcing a series of lockdowns for the country.

A day later, Muhyiddin said that the state of emergency was not a coup, although Parliament, the federal constitution and any elections would be suspended.

Muhyiddin said the move would give his government more powers to bring the Covid-19 pandemic under control.

On Saturday, Malaysia reported the highest number of Covid-19 cases in a single day at 4,029.

According to the government, the country now has 37,126 active Covid-19 cases with a total of 155,094 infections since the pandemic began. – January 17, 2021.