DR Mahathir Mohamad has proposed the setting up of a National Operations Council (NOC) to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to help manage issues faced by the nation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking to the media in a virtual press conference hours after his audience with the Agong earlier this afternoon, Dr Mahathir outlined four major issues faced by the nation.

They are the health, economic, political and social crises arising from Covid-19, which had infected more than 630,000 people in Malaysia.

He said the establishment of NOC would allow for the same type of administration put in place after the 1969 race riots, which had then seen several policies put in place to stabilise and develop the nation.

“The Agong didn’t say ‘no’, but he said the proposal to set up NOC must come from the government.

“But I’m doubtful the government will propose this,” he said.

“(They said) the government was functioning well with all problems being addressed… and that the investment climate was also good.

“But the reality is that the people have rejected this government. They have lost confidence in the government. They want a new government, a new power in place,” he added.

Dr Mahathir also said he had not discussed with the king on who would lead the NOC but said he was ready “if the government wanted it”.

The NOC was an emergency administrative body put in place to restore law and order in Malaysia after the May 13, 1969 race riots.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s principal private secretary Marzuki Mohammad, in a video on social media, slammed those wanting the NOC.

He said such a proposal was a step backward, which will hamper the efforts of the government and all parties in addressing the crisis facing the country.

Muhyiddin’s government has implemented an emergency on January 11 until August 1 to handle the Covid-19 pandemic, during which period the Parliament and state assemblies remain suspended.

The prime minister’s critics however have called for Parliament to convene so that the pandemic can be better managed. They also said Muhyiddin was using the emergency to remain in power.

Earlier this afternoon, the chairman of yet-to-be registered Pejuang spent about 45 minutes at the Istana Negara for an audience with Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, leaving at 2.55pm.

He was the third leader to meet the king today, after PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and MCA president Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Warisan president Mohd Shafie Apdal also met the king today. – June 10, 2021.