OPPOSITION lawmakers and civil society groups are calling for heads to roll in the Perikatan Nasional administration following the rebuke by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong over the revocation of the emergency ordinances.

They said it was only right for the cabinet, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun and Attorney-General Idrus Harun to step down for misleading the king.

Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil said that de facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan and Idrus had committed treachery towards the Agong.

He said they went against the spirit of the constitution by announcing the revocation of the six emergency ordinances without consulting the king.

“Today’s statement from the palace settles the matter, proving Takiyuddin did not have the assent of the king and in fact he and the A-G have openly disobeyed the Agong’s decree,” Fahmi said.

“This is as per the constitution for the proclamation of emergency as well as the emergency ordinance, that they be laid before the House and also debated and voted on.”

On Monday, Takiyuddin announced that the emergency ordinances had been revoked by the government effective July 21. He said the decision was made in accordance with Article 150(3) of the federal constitution.

His announcement raised consternation among MPs, with many questioning whether the decision had the king’s consent. Takiyuddin deflected questions, saying he would answer them on Monday, August 2.

A statement by the palace today, however, confirmed that the king was not consulted on the revocation of the ordinances.

The king also said the government’s actions were disrespectful of the principles of rules of law, and paid no heed to the constitutional powers and functions of the Agong.

The statement from the palace added that Takiyuddin and Idrus, during a virtual meeting on July 24, had indicated that the revocation would be made only after it was tabled and debated.

Fahmi said when Takiyuddin announced the revocation of the ordinances, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin sat idle without giving an explanation on the matter.

He said not only Takiyuddin and Muhyiddin should resign, but also the entire cabinet.

“The opposition MPs have also been trying to get Takiyuddin to give an explanation to the House but the speaker throughout the past few days has consistently delayed the requests, pushing it to Monday.

“When you look at Article 43(3) of the federal constitution, it states categorically that cabinet is collectively responsible to Parliament.

“So, right now the entire cabinet has to resign, the speaker has to resign and the A-G has to resign,” he said.

Klang MP Charles Santiago also agreed with Fahmi and that the statement from the palace today proved that the king is clearly upset with what Takiyuddin had done.

Santiago said it is time Takiyuddin and Muhyiddin take responsibility and step down from their posts.

“Based on the statement from the palace, it is quite clear the king is deeply upset over what Takiyuddin did.

“When Takiyuddin announced the revocation, Muhyiddin was sitting there and did not correct him.

“Therefore, both Takiyuddin and Muhyiddin are culpable and they have to step down,” Santiago said.

Prominent lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan said this is by far the sharpest rebuke she has ever seen by the royalty against a sitting government.

“It relates directly to the king’s role in the proclamation and revoking of an emergency.

“An emergency proclamation is not to be taken lightly hence the displeasure expressed by the palace at the bypassing of the king and in misleading of the House in the revocation.”

She said in view of the king’s announcement, it raises questions on the integrity of this government and its commitment to the constitution.

“In my view they have no choice but to resign. There is no coming back from this,” Ambiga said.

“I’m of the view that an apology will not cure this. Resignation is the only way.”

Bersih 2.0 chairman Thomas Fann said that in most countries, at the very least the minister in question, should tender his resignation.

He also said they must apologise to the Agong, the Dewan Rakyat and the public for misleading on all matters.

“As the PM he (Muhyiddin), cannot remain silent in the face of this royal rebuke of his law minister. He too must apologise and sack Takiyuddin if the latter does not resign.

“At this point it looks like Takiyuddin is solely responsible for misleading the House and misrepresenting the Agong,” Fann said. – July 29, 2021.