THE Malay rulers have agreed at their special meeting today that there is no need to extend the state of emergency in the country after its expiry on August 1.

The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Syed Danial Syed Ahmad said in a statement today that the Malay rulers also agreed on the need for a stable government that enjoys the majority support of the people.

The sultans also felt there was a need to cool off the political temperature in the country.

“They also want an inclusive method of battling the Covid-19 pandemic, involving everyone who was ready to listen, learn, adjust and improvise to succeed in getting the support and confidence of the people,” said Syed Danial.

Earlier today, the sultans held a special meeting with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara to discuss issues that were affecting the nation.

All Malay rulers attended the meeting today, except for Raja Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, who was represented by the Regent, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan, who was absent.

Pahang Regent Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah represented the state.

Earlier, the king, in a separate statement after chairing the meeting decreed that the Parliament must reconvene as soon as possible.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said that reconvening Parliament would allow lawmakers to debate the Emergency Ordinances and National Recovery Plan to exit the Covid-19 pandemic.

“His Highness is aware of Parliament’s role as an important platform for elected representatives to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic.

“MPs can discuss the government’s expenditure to help the people and restore the economy,” the king said in a statement issued by Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin.

The Agong also said the government must speed up the pace of the national Covid-19 immunisation programme by “easing bureaucracy and expediting vaccinations” to achieve herd immunity at 80% of the population.

“The curve must be flattened immediately and vaccination is the only ‘exit strategy’ to control the spread of Covid-19.”

The Malay rulers met today after separate meetings the king held with political party heads last week.

These meetings were held amid growing calls for Parliament to reconvene as Covid-19 cases spiked despite the state of emergency declared in January to fight the pandemic.

Parliamentary sittings, state legislative assemblies and elections, have been suspended under the emergency, prompting criticism of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and his government for avoiding checks and balances.

In February, the king had decreed that Parliament should meet even during a state of emergency.

The emergency, put in place on January 11 to effectively fight the pandemic, is to end on August 1.

In their statement, the Malay rulers also said that they had witnessed the people’s displeasure with the numerous crises facing the nation.

They said the Covid-19 situation remained at a dangerous level despite the nation being under an emergency.

They noted that the financial and economic situation of the country was worrying, as with race relations among the people.

They also said that Muslims were unable to perform their religious duties, including performing their Friday prayers at present. The same was true for those of other religions.

“The people’s lives and livelihood must be prioritised. The vaccination programme must be sped up to achieve herd immunity,” they said.

The sultans also said that Parliament as well as state assemblies must be allowed to convene in order for the proper functioning of the check and balance system in the country. – June 16, 2021.