YOURSAY | A slap in the face for Muhyiddin, but will he step down?

YOURSAY | 'This royal refusal may not mean a loss of confidence in a strict sense, but…'

Agong has decided: No need for a state of emergency

Raja Chulan: The Agong and his brother rulers do not want what is now happening in Thailand to spread to Malaysia as well. In Thailand, a declaration of emergency led to massive protests by the Thais, especially the younger ones, to demand the resignation of their PM and reforming the monarchy.

The demonstration went on for a week and the PM finally revoked the emergency laws. Nevertheless, the demonstrators are demanding the resignation of the PM and had vowed to continue their protests. Malaysia could have seen a similar situation in the event the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had ceded to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s request.

The advice by the Agong to cease 'politicking' by politicians should apply equally to all, including those on the government's side. This should apply more so to Muhyiddin, who had been ‘bribing’ everyone since the Sheraton Move with 'lucrative second income' posts in the government and other government-linked companies (GLCs).

This is a clear abuse by a sitting PM and is worse than the kleptocracy practised by former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak. Muhyiddin must first set a good example for the others, otherwise, he should resign. Surely, there are many more capable leaders to be Malaysia's PM.

MS: The largest cabinet in the nation's history met late into the night to propose the proclamation of an emergency, apparently to combat Covid-19. I quote:

"The statement from the palace noted that Muhyiddin had put forward a proposal to the king on Friday.

"The request is to implement a state of emergency under Article 150(1) and Proclamation of Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2020 under Article 150(2B) of the Federal Constitution to combat the Covid-19 pandemic in the country."

The request was considered not just by the Agong but discussed by a specially convened meeting of his brother rulers as well for over two hours. At the end of which, they said no.

That refusal, as many have indicated, amounts to a figurative slap on the faces of all the cabinet members - denying a sitting prime minister and his cabinet what was essentially their self-serving scheme because as almost the entire nation protested, there is no such emergency.

This royal refusal may not mean a loss of confidence in a strict sense but the very fact that Muhyiddin and his opportunistic team of plotters failed dramatically in their puerile attempt to pull batik over the royal eyes says everything about their desperation. And their total misreading of the rakyat.

The silver lining in this needless nonsense, which is both dramatic and distracting, is the way it united the different political factions, the business community, academicians and the majority of citizens in saying a resounding ‘no’ to what is obviously a regime out of touch with the people it is not serving.

In any democracy that is sensitive to the wishes of the people, such a turn of events would induce any self-respecting prime minister to pass the baton to someone more circumspect and considerate, someone more respected with the ability to read the mood of all the people and act honourably at all times.

May we expect that in Malaysia?

Steven Ong: It’s not just a slap on the face of the PM and the cabinet, but also opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and gang that they stop threatening the stability of the present government.

The conclusion is that the present government is capable and doing a good job serving the people, combating the pandemic and that those not happy with the excellent job by the government should stop harassing the government.

This is the message I received from the rulers. Tell me I am wrong.

Federal Bakery: We forget that the present crisis is the result of renegade politicians subverting the established electoral process to snatch power by illegally ousting the elected government.

The cast of players in this shameful scheme led by the crook of immoral crooks simply failed to get the support of the palace in keeping them in power. No crackers or fireworks, keep beating the muted drums.

Vgeorgemy: Anyone with a sense of pride and shame would quietly be stepping down as the request for an emergency have been declined by the head of the state.

The population has to live with this incompetent regime for the time being as the extended lifeline by the Agong can’t cure it. Our constitutional provisions should not be invoked to hide the government’s incompetency.

Bluemountains: The rulers have made a wise decision. The constitution and the rule of law must always prevail. No one must be allowed to use Covid-19 as an excuse to grab power. Therefore, Muhyiddin must resign when it is proven that he no longer commands the majority.

It is the work of politicians anywhere in the world to destabilise and bring down their opponents, whenever possible in accordance with the law. That's what politics is all about.

AnotherKomentar: It would be absolutely wrong and unconstitutional for the king to order how elected Members of Parliament should or should not support the current or any future government.

As the executive branch of the government, the PM must be accountable to the Parliament. And Parliament, which expresses the will of the people through the elected MPs, who must do so freely without fear or coercion, even if it comes from the king.

Anonymous_47029368: @AnotherKomentar, our country is facing a dire economic and health crisis, thus we need a stable government to tide it over first. Only when things stabilised, a general election can be called. By the way, it is not an order but advice.

BlackTiger7716: Tuanku, we thank you for being righteous in upholding the law. We will comply with your direction.

But this government needs to go and a rightful elected member with majority support in Parliament must be given a chance to show his or her capability to rule. Then the people can make their decision at the next election on who should represent them.

GrayCondor1956: What shall we do next? If these were at least a competent lot, we could suffer them, even if support of majority is not cleared in Parliament.

They cannot even give clear and coordinated instructions on movement control order (MCO) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Please PM, resign. You are just not cut out for the job and clinging on to power for yourself and your cronies is just going to hurt the people more.

YOURSAY | No state of emergency, but instability likely to continue

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