UMNO Supreme Council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi has slammed Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s aide Marzuki Mohammad, after he attacked those calling for the implementation of National Operations Council (NOC).

Puad questioned the motive behind the prime minister’s principal private secretary’s comments in a video, saying the topic of NOC was a diversion.

“Suddenly, a video of Marzuki talking about NOC appeared.

“The style is like ‘Perutusan Khas’ (special address). Is he speaking in an individual capacity or representing the Prime Minister?

“He slammed those who wanted the NOC. Why did this issue suddenly arise? Is this to divert attention from other issues?” said Puad on Facebook post today.

In a live video posted last night, Marzuki spoke about the NOC and attacked those wanting it, saying such a proposal is a step backwards, which will hamper the efforts of the government and all parties in addressing the crisis facing the country.

The National Operations Council, better known as Majlis Gerakan Negara (Mageran), was an emergency administrative body that attempted to restore law and order in Malaysia after the May 13 Incident in 1969 and the race riots that broke out nationwide.

Marzuki said the emergency now is better than implementing the NOC because the government has only implemented health emergencies.

Puad said people do not want the NOC but want an end to the current emergency. 

He also slammed Marzuki, saying the Covid-19 figures are rising despite implementing health emergencies.

“To Marzuki’s knowledge, the people do not want NOC. The people want the current emergency to and not continue.

“According to Marzuki, an emergency is better than the NOC because it is only a health-related emergency.

“If there is a health emergency, then why suspend Parliament? Even after five months, the Covid-19 figure continues to rise to new highs.

“Clearly, today’s emergency failed,” Puad said.

“Marzuki said the current emergency allowed cabinet, National Security Council (NSC) and other meetings to be held, but why suspend Parliament, and there is no ‘check and balance’ to what the government decides in its meetings,” he said.

Earlier, economist Dr Muhammed Abdul Khalid said that a body like the NOC was required to handle the health and economic crisis, and ensure checks and balances. – June 10, 2021.