Annuar Musa signed support letter for Umno-linked company
May 22 letter addressed to PM is in support of fellow Umno man Datuk Shaari Hassan and his firm for packages 2C, 3A of central spine road project
Updated 3 hours ago · Published on 07 Dec 2020 8:43PM · 0 Comments
The Federal Territory Minister using official correspondence wrote a ‘letter of support’ to the Prime Minister, for a local politician and his firm as a contractor in a package for the Central Spine Road Project on 22 May 2020.
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Probably if the Minister’s portfolio is Public Works, he would be in much better position to recommend the firm due to probable consideration of the firm’s technical and financial capability, experience and track record and previous performance, to undertake such a major infrastructure project.
A week later the Prime Minister minuted to his Chief Principal Private Secretary requesting his officer to refer to the relevant Ministry.
Leadership, is one of those elements the Rakyat is yearn for the most challenging moments in our nation together. The continued practice of cronyism is definitely not it, regardless what the rationalisation and excuses be offered trying to take ‘two wrongs and making in right’.
Presiden UMNO dan Pengerusi BN Dato Sri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi menyindir secara berkias atas isu ‘keihlasan’ dan ‘kejujuran’ dalam politik kepada PPBM selaku rakankongsi dalam penubuhan Kerajaan Persekutuan dan PAS selaku penandatangan Muafakat Nasional semenjak 14 Sept 2019, selepas beliau mengumumkan ‘Gencatan Senjata Politik’ pada 21 Oct 2020.
Ianya sebahagaian dari ucapan Ahli Parlimen Bagan Datoh mengenai Perbahasan Usul Bajet 2021 yang dibentangkan Mingguan lepas.
“Rakyat mesti diberikan keutamaan. Suara Rakyat adalah suara keramat. Samada usul undi perçaya atar sebalinya, ia tidak hendaklah dilakulkan dalam Dewan mulia ini”
Dr Zahid meluahkan rata-rata rasa tidak puas hati akar umbi UMNO, yang pada masa ini menjadi tunggak yang membolehkan Presiden PPBM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin menjadi Perdana Menteri VIII pada 29 Feb 2020.
Walaupun ada dikalangan pemimpin UMNO dibawa kedalam Kerajaan namun rata-rata akar umbi UMNO merasakan mereka di’anak tiri’kan oleh Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin, yang kini popularitinya semakin merosot.
Gerakan-gerakan politik belakang tabir antara penyumbang terbesar ketirisan dan pemerosotan keyakinan dan sokongan kepada Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin, bermula pasca PRN Sabah pada 26 Sept dan cubaan rahsia Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin dan Kabinet uituk mendapatkan perkenan DYMM SPB YDP Agong XVI untuk mengishtiharkan Darurat pada 23 Okt 2020.
Dr Zahid menyarankan bahawa mandat dikembalikan kepada rakyat untuk menentukan Kerajaan Persekutuan yang akan mengemudi Malaysia.
PPBM Supreme Council member Dato Dr Rais Hussin now pushing the envelope to portray that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin is still above ‘respectable range’ amongst Malaysians.
“Emir Research, in its Quarterly Poll for the Third Quarter 2020 – Part 2, found that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad comes in second with 10% support, followed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (8%).
“Similar patterns of support were recorded within various demographics. However, Muhyiddin had greater support among urban respondents (68%),” said the independent think-tank in a press release yesterday.”
Emir Research is a Think Tank set up to prop PPBM administration.
It is funny how the brilliant Dr Rais has brought Malaysians to the frame of thought for a ‘beauty contest’ where as there are other prevailing issues about current Malaysians’ socio economic standing and perception to be measured, analysed and presented.
It is really pathetic when the more learned individuals who are in Prime Minister Muhyiddin’s tight circle, deploying pathetic moves in their sordid attempt to salvage any shred of leadership, as more and more Malaysians grow uneasy and displeased.
Umno tolak syor Rais cadang semula darurat kepada Agong
Zikri Kamarulzaman
Diterbitkan 31 minit lepas Dikemaskini beberapa saat lepas
Umno menolak syor Yang Dipertua Dewan Negara, Rais Yatim supaya kerajaan mencadangkan sekali lagi kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong untuk melaksanakan darurat.
Seorang anggota majlis tertinggi (MT) Umno yang enggan namanya disiarkan berkata, usaha mendapatkan pengisytiharan darurat sekali lagi adalah tidak selaras dengan pendirian parti itu.
“Tindakan Speaker Dewan Negara Rais Yatim yang meminta kerajaan meneruskan cadangan darurat adalah satu tindakan yang tidak mementingkan rakyat.
“MT tegas untuk menolak mana-mana tindakan yang akan menjejaskan keselamatan rakyat dan patuh kepada titah Duli Yang Maha Mulia,” kata pemimpin berkenaan.
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Seorang peguam Syed Iskandar Syed Jaafar Al Madhzar melalui Tetuan Kendagaharan & Co telah memfailkan bahawa DYMM SPB YDP Agong XVI menolak ‘Nasehat’ Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin dan Kabinet mengenai usul mengihstiharkan Darurat, selaras peruntukan Perlembagaan Perkara 150(1)
Ini berasaskan idea asal yang dikemukakan Presiden Dewan Negara Tan Sri Rais Yatim bahawa Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin wajar untuk cuba kemukakan semula ‘Nasehat’ untuk pengishtiharan Darurat.
Utusan Malaysia:
Rais syor PM menghadap Agong semula cadang darurat sekali lagi
RAIS YATIM
Oleh ZAREEN HUMAIRAH SEJAHAN
29 Oktober 2020, 9:00 am
KUALA LUMPUR: Pelaksanaan darurat di kawasan terlibat kes Covid-19 boleh dicadangkan sekali lagi kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al- Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah dan tidak dicampur-aduk dengan kemelut politik dalam negara. Yang Dipertua Dewan Negara, Tan Sri Dr. Rais Yatim yang juga pakar Perlembagaan berkata, sangat mustahak untuk seluruh rakyat menghormati keputusan Seri Paduka yang menolak cadangan pelaksanaan darurat…
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Tan Sri Rais Yatim dilantik oleh DYMM SPB YDP Agong XVI untuk mempengerusikan Dewan Negara, dimana para Senatornya terdiri dari individu yang dicadangkan kepada SPB Tuanku untuk diangkat sebagai Ahli Dewan Negara.
Dewan Negara bersidang sebagai salah satu sayap Parlimen SPB YDP Agong.
Hakikatnya, samada Presiden Rais, Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin maupun anggota Kabinet bahawa mereka bertanggung jawab kepada rakyat kerana kuasa yang mereka nikmati ialah berdasarkan sistem demokrasi Raja BerPerlembagaan ala Westminister.
Jika disusuri garismasa, semenjak bermula spekulasi ‘Kerajaan akan mengishtiharkan Darurat’ pada Khamis 22 Oktober 2020, sehingga hari ini tiada lagi pengishtiharkan cadangan Kerajaan untuk menggunakan peruntukan Perlembagaan Perkara 150(1) dibuat.
Rakyat dan dunia secara rasmi hanya mengetahui mengenainya dalam Titah yang dikeluokan Pejabat Pengelola Bijaya DiRaja Istana Negara pada petang Ahad 25 Oktober 2020, selepas Majlis Raja-Raja bersidang.
Keikhlasan Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin mentadbir dan menguruskan negara Kini menjadi kesangsian banyak pihak.
Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin bukan setakat ‘bermain politik’ (politicking) namun ‘bermain politik peringkat kayangan’.
Sebelum Persekutuan Tanah Melayu mengecap Kemerdekaan, sekelian baginda Raja-Raja Melayu melepaskan kuasa eksekutif mereka kepada Kerajaan yang dipilih oleh rakyat dengan merimapakai sistem Raja BerPerlembagaan ala Westminster. Ini dibuat dengan penuh keyakinan bahawa Eksekutif bahawa kepentingan Negara dan rakyat akan dijaga dan utamakan, bawah nama Kerajaan Seri Paduka Baginda.
Sepanjangkan tahun ini sahaja, DYMM SPB YDP Agong XVI menintahkan tiga kali berkenaan ‘bermain politik’ (politicking) dan dua kali mengenai keutamaan Parlimen meluluskan Rang Undang Udang Perbekalan 2021 (Bajet 2021), demi kesejahteraan dan kemakmuran Negara dan rakyat.
Sekiranya Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin masih lagi gagal melaksanakan semua ini sebaliknya begitu egoistik berusaha segala apacara untuk kekal berkuasa sebagai Perdana Menteri, dimana asas tampuk kuasa (pinjaman) menjadi kesangsian, masa ini semestikan akan mengumpulkan kos kepada rakyat.
Apakah berbaloi untuk menampung kos ini semata-mata mengekalkan Muhyiddin sebagai Perdana Menteri VIII?
Pp 1 of Titah His Majesty SPB YDP Agong’s Istana Negara Office of Comptroller on 25 Oct 2020Pp 2 of Titah His Majesty SPB YDP Agong’s Istana Negara Office of Comptroller on 25 Oct 2020
It is an episode about a group minority with borrowed majority support that was entrusted to form the Federal Government and manage Malaysia, but instead tried to manipulate the Crown to invoke what is provided in Federal Constitution, for the former’s political expediency.
The Government 0 – The Crown and Rakyat 1
It was a nail biting and the second week in 2020 for the nation which had almost everyone very anxious about the nation’s state of affairs since Cabinet unanimously decided to have an audience and ‘advice’ His Majesty Seri Paduka Yang DiPertuan gong XVI on 23 Oct 2020.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin, his Cabinet and senior National Security Council officials namely the Attorney General, Chief of Defence Forces, Chief Secretary to the Government (ex-officio of the Cabinet), Inspector General of Police and Director General of Health Services arrived at Istana Abdul Aziz, Kuantan, Pahang at 1640hrs 23 Oct 2020 to ‘Advise’ His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI to assent the instrument with provided in the Federal Constitution for Emergency under Article 150(1).
On 1430hrs Sunday 25 Oct 2020 Brother Rulers HRHs Malay Sultans assembled at Istana Negara and had a meeting to discuss His Majesty SPB YDPA XVI’s audience of Friday evening with the Government.
At around 1800hrs, the nation felt relieved as the official communique of Istana Negara released a Titah that His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI opined there is urgent need to declare Emergency and the Government should heighten their efforts to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI also wanted that all politicians come through and ensure that the proposed Budget 2121 to be tabled in Parliament in a few days is passed, so that the nation could move forward.
Simply put, Prime Minister Muhyiddin walked with this tail wagging between the hind legs.
In the minds of many if not majority of Malaysians, this is the first time a major ‘Advice’ by the Prime Minister and Cabinet is turned down by the Crown, acting for the interest of the Rakyat.
That took a big shot of the Prime Minister’s arm that left a hole in the temple. Prime Minister Muhyiddin’s statement is unbefitting of a Dato’ Seri Bendahara in His Majesty’s court.
Even under termendous pressure, the Prime Minister Office which is equipped with a Protocol Section ought to be sensitive on how to officially respond, which is shared with the public.
The Raja knows what the Rakyat wants. First, the Raja acted swiftly to defuse an anxiety feeling amongst the Rakyat. Secondly, Prime Minister Muhyiddin has clearly opted a political solution over the welfare of the Rakyat, which include how they feel.
If Prime Minister Muhyiddin no longer enjoy the ‘borrowed support’ by BN MPs, clearly in subliminal message imbedded in the ‘Ceasefire’ statement by UMNO President Dato Sri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dated 21 October 2020 and the Rakyat ‘feel good’ factor when Prime Minister Muhyiddin provided at the beginning on the nation’s experience weathering through the Covid-19 pandemic, 18 March 2020.
Now, it is without a doubt Prime Minister Muhyiddin who is in power due to borrowed support of BN MPs, should have the dignity to resign and allow another MP to be invited by His Majesty to form the Federal Government as Prime Minister IX.
As he leaves, his Press Officers should be sacked too for sublime disrespect of His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI and the Crown.
It is time for His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI to invite the BN Chairman Dato Sri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and MP for Bagan Dato’, for a chin-wag.
Strong rumours circulating that Minister of MITI Azmin Mohamed Ali, who is now a partyless wanderer after last December backstabbing his own party and Presiden Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is the man with the idea and manoeuvres of Emergency.
FMT:
Azmin slams ‘power-crazy’ Anwar, calls for political unity
Azmin Ali, formerly PKR deputy president, is now a senior minister in the Perikatan Nasional government.
PETALING JAYA: Senior minister Azmin Ali has called for political leaders to come together to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, while making a slashing attack on opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, describing him as a power-crazy liar.
He said Anwar’s recent moves to unseat the Muhyiddin Yassin government was “clearly the work of a power-crazy individual driven by selfish and egotistical motives with a pathological sense of entitlement as if the post of prime minister is his birthright”.
Last month, Anwar declared he had the majority support of MPs in the Dewan Rakyat enabling him to form a new government. He had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong earlier this month to press his case.
Azmin, an Anwar confidante and former PKR deputy president, fell out with Anwar and left to team up with Muhyiddin and PPBM earlier this year.
He said: “In his relentless quest to become prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim has resorted to outright lies as well as subterfuge not only against the nation but even against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah).”
He said Anwar’s outburst yesterday – about the country’s possible descent into dictatorship (through a state of emergency) – was “an act of utter recklessness”.
Azmin said political leaders, regardless of their affiliation, must put aside differences and join forces with the people and government to fight the pandemic.
He criticised opposition members for sowing fear and resentment among the rakyat against the government’s “earnest efforts at securing public health and safety while ensuring economic recovery”.null
“Under these circumstances, it is only right and proper that we stand united behind all efforts at mitigating the pandemic and flattening the curve while ensuring minimal disruption to the economy,” he said.
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The Minister is said to put the idea ahead that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin would be facing a tough time with the next Parliamentary sitting just a week away.
This is after Opposition Leader Anwar was given audience to be presented to His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI on 13 Oct 2020.
This is also after UMNO officially announced they deep dissatisfaction on the treatment and allocation in the Federal and State Governments, after the party provided the largest component for PPBM President Muhyiddin to be Prime Minister VIII and other leaders to be Chief Ministers, despite their own party’s lesser presence against UMNO.
What Minister Azmin is calling “political leaders, regardless of their affiliation, must put aside differences and join forces with the people and government to fight the pandemic” is actually Prime Minister VII Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s ‘Unity Government’, called the day after the latter summarily resigned on 24 Feb 2020,
The void created by the resignation of Prime Minister VII Dr Mahathir provided the Opposition parties to gang up and despite being the largest block, UMNO agreed to back PPBM President Muhyiddin as Prime Minister VIII.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin was sworn in on 29 Feb 2020.
He formed a Cabinet within the next week, including Azmin and his partyless wandering lot of 10.
As the Covid-19 pandemic situation worsens, after consultation with the National Security Council, Prime Minister Muhyiddin announced Movement Control Order (MCO) beginning 18 Mar 2020.
The stats of Covid-19 positive infection on the day that Cabinet decided to propose for Emergency to His Majesty SPN YDP Agong XVI
A Special Cabinet meeting was held in the morning on 23 Oct 2020 and it is believed that the decision is proposed to His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI to invoke the provisions of Article 150(1) of the Federal Constitution is declared.
Then they, plus the Chief of Defence Forces, Attorney General, Inspector General of Police and DG of Health hurriedly left for Kuantan to sought an audience with His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI.
Then again, Former Lord Chief Justice Tun Zaki Tun Azmi opined that the Crown could have taken a different approach to circumspec the issue instead of taking the advice of the Prime Minister.
The proclamation of an emergency can be challenged, although under the federal constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is bound to follow the advice of his prime minister and the cabinet. – Pic courtesy of Istana Negara
UNDERSTANDABLY the proposal for the declaration of an emergency brings a lot of worry to the citizens of the country.
I don’t blame the people as internationally it is only done by someone who intends to gain power, and thereafter rule dictatorially.
Malaysia, on the other hand, has seen six emergencies declared during the confrontation with Indonesia, in Kelantan, Sabah, Sarawak and the worst was to curb riots caused during the May 13, 1969 incident.
But all these emergencies went in for a very limited period. The longest was the May 13 emergency that ended in 1971.
But for those who have lived as long as I have, we, the country came out stronger after the emergency was lifted. I’ve been reading in the media that there is a lot of speculations as to:
A. whether there will indeed be an emergency;
B. what type of emergency.
When I say what type I mean to what extent the people in the government are going to use those powers.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Friday was met by the prime minister, who proposed instituting an emergency to curb the Covid-19 pandemic. The Agong has now decided to consult his brother rulers.
Under the federal constitution, the Agong is bound to follow the advice of His Majesty’s government, i.e the sitting prime minister and his cabinet; but it does not stop him from giving counter advice to the prime minister and the cabinet.
And I believe this is what His Majesty wants to do. He wants to consult his brother rulers and maybe summon the prime minister to express the consensus views of the rulers. This is also perhaps to ask the prime minister to reconsider his advice to the Agong.
In my opinion, if the prime minister still stands firm in his views, then the Agong is bound to follow his advice.
Now, this does not mean that the decision to proclaim an emergency cannot be challenged.
What can be challenged is the advice of the prime minister to the Agong. This was decided by a privy council case in 1979, in the case of Teh Cheng Poh v Public Prosecutor.
Let me say something as a businessman before being a judge.
Since the last few months, investors have been selling their shares and running out of Malaysia. Some say more will flee immediately after the emergency is proclaimed.
But people are running away from the country because of the political instability.
Businessmen and investors don’t like it when they are not sure what is going to happen tomorrow. Because every time a government changes, policies change.
They are happy when the government is stable because they know policies will remain for a certain period of time.
Look at the last government. Nothing happened within the 22 months they were ruling the country. Businessmen were not sure what was going on.
So, even if an emergency is proclaimed but the government when invoking the powers under the emergency do not abuse the power given, but use the power to rehabilitate the political situation and make it stable again, that would be good to the economy and to the country.
Of course, the opposition will say it is bad. Lawyers will also say it is bad. Some will refer to other countries where the prime minister becomes a dictator and holds on to the power of the emergency but in Malaysia, history has shown this has not happened.
We also do not know why the prime minister is seeking for the Agong to make the proclamation of emergency. Some speculate that it is to prevent a vote of no confidence. If that is the reason, then it is wrong.
On the other hand, if the proclamation is done to not allow an election now, which will result in the uncontrollable spread of Covid-19 as we have seen in Sabah, then in my opinion, it is valid.
Because if the country suffers from the pandemic, the result will be a threat to the economy and the lives of the people. In my opinion such declarations can be upheld by the courts.
Because when we declared the emergency for public order in 1969, the federal court held that even drug trafficking can result in a public disorder and held that detention under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crimes) Ordinance enacted pursuant to the 1969 declaration is valid, and upheld the detention.
If, however, it can be proven that the government is seeking the declaration of emergency only to prevent or protect its position then it is a mala fide act and can be declared ultra vires the constitution.
The risk of the Budget 2021 not being passed in case it is defeated and the prime minister loses the vote on the Budget and the vote of confidence that are not good grounds for declaring an emergency.
We must not also forget that an election in Sarawak is due in the next few months and we cannot deny that if it proceeds, campaigning will start soon. Campaigning means the risk of spreading the virus as we have seen in Sabah.
No doubt many people will say we will have tighter SOPs (standard operating procedures) but in theory I don’t think it could happen.
They could not do it in South Korea but there, two-thirds of voting had been done by post.
Meanwhile in New Zealand, the election was postponed until the country was clear of the virus. But when the election resumed, Covid-19 cases started to increase again.
The damage we saw here as a result of the election in Sabah was scary enough, and as a citizen I don’t want to face Covid-19.
As far as the general public is concerned, I think the large majority of the population want to get on with their daily lives and they are tired of the squabbling among politicians.
Alhamdulillah, my family and I are able to stay at home as we are fortunate enough to have sufficient funds for our daily needs. What about those who are suffering? Those who are not earning?
Here is one proposal: can all members of Parliament agree to pass a legislation so the federal election and state election can be postponed for, say, one or two years?
In the meantime, we fight Covid-19. And once Covid-19 is eradicated or we find a vaccine, we can revert to our usual practice and anyone can bring a vote of no confidence for an election to be held.
But if the pandemic spreads, then the (emergency) law allows the prime minister to postpone the election.
To me, let us wait for the Council of Rulers to make its decision and the prime minister to make his announcement. – The Vibes, October 25, 2020
Tun Zaki Azmi served as the sixth Chief Justice of Malaysia from 2008 to 2011.
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There are arguments against Minister Azmin’s ‘Unity Government’.
The Agong and Malay rulers are scheduled to meet in a few minutes to decide on the government’s call for emergency rule. – Wikipedia pic, October 25, 2020
BY
Amar Shah Mohsen
KUALA LUMPUR – Politicians influencing royals are nothing new, and in the midst of an unprecedented political and health crisis, those with vested interests have once again surfaced – this time, to push for a unity government.
All eyes are on Istana Negara, where the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Malay rulers are scheduled to meet in a few minutes to decide on the government’s call for emergency rule.
This comes amid growing pressure on Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, with Budget 2021 on the line and the possibility of a motion of no confidence against him being tabled at the Parliament sitting that begins on November 2.
Talk of a unity government being formed has been bandied, both on and offline, and sources said this will be among the points of discussion at today’s meeting.
Unsurprisingly, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is said to be among those backing the move.
Working closely with his trusted lieutenant, Tun Daim Zainuddin, the pair are believed to have engineered the idea, and is using Kelantan prince Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s royal links to get the palace on board.
This appears to explain speculation on a recent meeting between Tengku Razaleigh and Dr Mahathir.
The Gua Musang lawmaker, despite not being a political party head, was also the only other MP to have met the Agong following an audience granted to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 13, with the palace subsequently postponing all other scheduled meetings with party leaders.
If a unity government does indeed materialise, Dr Mahathir could once again be part of the ruling coalition, and subject to agreement with allies, be given certain positions.
However, the big question is whether such a government is actually feasible.
While not exactly a unity government by name, the cooperation between Dr Mahathir and Anwar under the Pakatan Harapan banner ahead of the 14th general election is similar to the current proposal.
The duo are known to not see eye to eye, but they put aside their political differences for the common goal of toppling the Datuk Seri Najib Razak-led Barisan Nasional government.
From then on, it was downhill for Dr Mahathir and Anwar – and PH, for that matter.
The promised transition of power to the PKR president after two years did not happen, and the infighting among PH components eventually led to the coalition’s fall.
The learned rulers will of course take this into consideration before arriving at any decision.
Malaysians do not want yet another government to collapse, dragging the country deeper into the doldrums, especially when the Covid-19 threat persists.
Manipulating the royal institution for selfish ends is the last thing politicians should do. – The Vibes, October 25, 2020
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Prime Minister Muhyiddin’s political position on ‘borrowed support’ had been weak and flimsy from day one. His own party PPBM was never strong and their wield of power is based on the ‘political goodwill’ extended by UMNO MPs.
Yet Minister Azmin, whom himself a party less wanderer without a sound political base, is riding on the Prime Minister Muhyiddin’s ‘borrowed support’ of flimsy and brittle power.
It is no brainer that this is probably the last option for them to remain legitimately in power, by manipulating the Federal Constitution and getting the Crown involved their scheme.
Khabar-bicara gembar-gembur sangat aktif antara individu, sosmed dan berasaskan tulisan-tulisan portal memberikan tanda bahawa Kerajaan bawah Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin akan mengadap DYMM SPB YDP Agong XVI dan memohon perkenan perishtiharan darurat, akibat keadaan Covid-19 yang semakin teruk.
If an emergency is declared, Malaysia would be first country in the world to do so in light of Covid-19 – even though Health Ministry is doing a fine job
Updated 1 second ago · Published on 23 Oct 2020 4:38PM · 0 Comments
FOR sure, Covid-19 and preventing or restricting its spread is not cause for imposing the emergency. The movement control orders of the past and the targeted enhanced movement control orders did wonders to bring down the rate of spread of the infection.
For sure, even if there is a vote of confidence against Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s backdoor government, there is no reason to impose an emergency – it means the democratic process is working. It would simply mean Muhyiddin submits his resignation.
For sure, then the King decides whether to appoint a new PM who enjoys the confidence of the house or to have fresh elections. With the speaker putting all motions of no confidence on the back-burner, that won’t happen.
For sure, even if the forthcoming budget to be tabled on November 6 is not passed, it again means democracy is working as it is meant to be. It merely indicates that Muhyiddin does not enjoy the confidence of the house and should resign.
For sure, the King, in his wisdom and after he marshals all the facts, decides whether to appoint a new PM who enjoys the confidence of the house or to call for fresh elections.
For sure, the calling of fresh elections does not in itself lead to a situation which calls for the declaration of an emergency. There are sixty days before elections, which is a long enough time for the Health Ministry to impose measures that would result in elections which are safe.
For sure, you can have social distancing, or perhaps even Internet or electronic polls. If we can make millions of money transactions a day on the Internet safely surely a failsafe method for Internet polls can be implemented.
For sure, we can bar physical rallies – there is the Internet, Facebook, live streaming, YouTube, et cetera for campaigning which can be continuous but socially distanced. This may even reduce the potential for vote-buying. Covid-19 can be kept at bay even if there are elections.
For sure, the King ultimately decides on the proclamation of an emergency even though he may be advised by the PM, but he has an obligation to exercise that rationally. The two sections giving him the powers under the Constitution are:
150. (1) If the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security, or the economic life, or public order in the Federation or any part thereof is threatened, he may issue a Proclamation of Emergency making therein a declaration to that effect.
(2) A Proclamation of Emergency under Clause (1) may be issued before the actual occurrence of the event which threatens the security, or the economic life, or public order in the Federation or any part thereof if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is satisfied that there is imminent danger of the occurrence of such event.
For sure, despite the clauses above, it will be highly irresponsible if the PM advises the King to declare emergency as a means to continue to stay in power to prevent the legitimate transition to power if and when he has lost the confidence of the majority in Parliament.
For sure, if an emergency is declared, we will gain recognition of the wrong kind – the first country in the world to declare an emergency because, ostensibly, it could not deal with the Covid-19 threat without it. That would be a patent lie because the Health Ministry was a doing fine job, except for that anomaly in the Sabah election due to political reasons.
For sure, the uncertainty that an emergency will cause will result in the evaporation of investor confidence, both locally and internationally, and a huge drop in confidence of the populace in the current government and the country. That will be disastrous.
Right now there seems to be only one reason to impose an emergency – to keep the backdoor government in power. That’s absolutely the wrong reason for imposing emergency.
The last thing we need right now is an emergency, especially one that is created by the political masters.
P Gunasegaram says that backdoor governments are bad – and dangerous. He is an editorial consultant for The Vibes.
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Perkembangan pandemik Covid-19 di Malaysia belum tahap meruncing. Walaupun kes kes positif harian lebih 800, namun jumlah keseluruhan kes positif ialah pada 8,200.
Setakat ini 65% kes positif jangkitan Covid-19 pulih dan jumlah kematian ialah 0.86%. Maknanya, setiap 10,000 mereka yang dijangkit, hanya 86 sahaja yang berakhir dengan kematian.
Ini juga ditambah apabila Presiden Zahid sebagai Pengerusi Barisan Nasional (BN) mengeluarkan kenyataan bahawa ahli Kabinet Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin iaitu Menteri Luar Negara Dato Sri Hishammuddin Hussein dilantik sebagai Bendahari BN.
Perkembangan ini semua membantu meringankan tekanan politik ke atas Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin agar boleh terus tumpuan mentadbir dan menguruskan Kerajaan.
Apakah Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin tiada ikhtiar lain untuk terus memegang tampuk kuasa dan mentadbir dan mengurus Kerajaan dan Negara, tanpa menggunakan Darurat?
A handful of UMNO Leaders and grassroot members are unhappy with President Dato’ Sri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s unilateral announcement of ‘Ceasefire’ on 21 October 2020 being seen as weak and pandering further into being ‘bullied’ by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin.
However it is quite the opposite as the ‘Ceasefire’ provided more room and opportunity for President Zahid to manoeuvre and move his lot around, which would make Prime Minister Muhyiddin and PPBM subservient to UMNO.
The Vibes story:
Is ‘Abah’ afraid of a budget defeat?
Analysts argue that chances of cancelling the 2021 federal allocation bill are very slim
Measures related to the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to be the main topic of discussion during the special cabinet meeting that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called for today. – Facebook filepic, October 23, 2020
BY
Emmanuel Samarathisa
KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s call for a special cabinet meeting today comes at a time when the scuttlebutt is rife with talk of political change and intrigue.
People familiar with the matter, however, say that the prime minister is expected to discuss a litany of issues with regard to support for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, and with measures related to the coronavirus pandemic being high up on the agenda.
This is because Muhyiddin – who refers to himself as “Abah” or father in Malay – is expected to face a serious test of leadership when the Dewan Rakyat tables Budget 2021 on November 6, a source said.
Unlike previous prime ministers, Muhyiddin leads by a razor-thin majority in Parliament (112 to 114 of 222 seats – although Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim now claims to command a 121-seat majority).
Failing to get his budget approved is tantamount to a no-confidence vote, and therefore a collapse in government.
Malaysia watcher James Chin believes Umno will be the basis of Muhyiddin’s ability to get next year’s federal allocation passed. If the Barisan Nasional (BN) keystone backs the prime minister, “the chances of having his budget defeated are very slim”, he said.
Also, such defeat has “never happened before in Malaysia”, added Chin, director of the Asia Institute, University of Tasmania.
“What a lot of people don’t realise is that you can still make very last-minute changes to the budget within the first and third readings. So if Muhyiddin thinks he is going to lose, he is going to add in a few items to please Umno. So chances of him being defeated are very, very slim.”
Successive governments have come close to having allocations cancelled albeit at the ministry-level.
BN was almost defeated by one vote after it debated the 2018 allocation for the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) was only able to push through this year’s allocation for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry by four votes.
Political observers are not the only ones who believe Muhyiddin has a fighting chance. Capital market participants also argue that they have not priced in such a defeat.
“Investors assume Umno will back the budget bill,” said a fund manager. Should Muhyiddin lose in the august house, the fund manager added, “Malaysia can expect another degree of uncertainty.”
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Azmil Mohd Tayeb said: “The implication is clear if the budget bill is defeated.”
Muhyiddin’s government, the political scientist added, no longer commanded the majority.
“He should step down and let the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoint the one who has the majority as per the constitutional convention.” – The Vibes, October 23, 2020
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On 14 October 2020 after the UMNO Political Bureau meeting, Presiden Zahid announced they “might consider to pull out from the Perikatan Nasional Government and would put forth a set of new terms”, which is the flimsy platform that put Prime Minister Muhyiddin in power.
That shook the ground, already swelling for the UMNO grassroots unhappy feelings of PPBM ‘bullying’ UMNO around after the latter lends the biggest chunk of power when enabled PPBM President Muhyiddin to be sworn in as Prime Minister VIII on 29 Feb 2020.
In reciprocity, PPBM Secretary General and Home Minister Dato’ Sri Hamzah Zainuddin arrogantly asked UMNO to submit in writing their grievances and demands.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin has exactly two weeks left to get his party Whip cracking and consolidate the support towards him or otherwise the Bill for Budget 2021expected to be tabled on 6 November 2020 would not be passed by the Dewan Rakyat.
This is the worst scenario of the ongoing political impasse this Pakatan Harapan has been trying to get Prime Minister VII Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to retire and handover to then heir-apparent Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim, since December 2019.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir summarily resigned on 24 Feb 2020 and the void created an impasse where UMNO enbloc decided to nominate PPBM President Muhyiddin as the Prime Minister.
It was a proposal accepted by His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI and Muhyiddin was sworn in as the Prime Minister VIII on 29 Feb 2020.
If the Bajet 2021 Bill is not passed by Dewan Rakyat, it would lead to the shutdown of the Federal Government comes 1 Jan 2021, amidst the the growing global Covid-19 pandemic crisis.
The Ceasefire announces by President Zahid is allow more room and opportunity for UMNO to play a more strategic and probably a senior part role in the current Federal Government, until the people goes back to the polls.
Punca permasalahan isu air diseluruh sistem air diproses Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur ialah berat menyendeng kepada segelintir para industrialis dan pekebun yang tamak dan tidak bertanggung jawab, secara terbuka dan sengaja.
Samada berlesen atau haram, meraka melalukan aktiviti menyalurkan sisa industri atau kebun mereka yang tidak terawat itu, masuk kapada punca Isu pembakalan air yang diproses kepada enam juta isirumah sekitar Selangor, Kuala Lumpur dan Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya bukanlah terletak kepada kegagalan sistem infrastruktur pembekal utiliti.
Setakat tahun 2020 ini saja telah menyaksikan penutupan Loji Memproses Air berlaku tiga kali dan enam juta pengguna dari kalangan isi rumah dan masyarakat berniaga merasakan kesan, sehingga empat dan lima hard berturut turut.
Pihak berkuasa telah memulakan siasatan berkenaan isu industri dan kebab haram yang rancak sekitar Selangor itu. Ketika itu, Exco Kerajaan Negeri Selangor yang bertanggungjawab pada portfolio industri ialah Ean Yong Hian Wah.
Dalam episod siasatan itu, Pegawai Khas Tuan Ean Teoh Beng Hock telah didapati mati setlah jatuh dari Ibu Pejabat SPRM pada 1 Julai 2009.
Punca dan penyebab kematian secara mengejut Teoh masih lagi misteri walaupun sebuah Suruhan Siasatan DiRaja telah dibuat.
Apa yang menarik apakah siasatan SPRM kepada Exco dan Pegawai Khas DAP itu ada pertalian dengan rasuah, dimana pihak industrialis dan pekebun haram dan tidak mematuhi garispandgan ketat beroperasi dan merawat sisa buangan yang mash berterusan sehinggga hari ini.
Semenjak 2009, Kerajaan Negeri Selangor dimana Exco yang bertanggungjawab mengenai pembangunan industri telah terlibat dalam siri proses ‘menghalalkan’ industrialis dan pekebun yang beroperasi secara haram tau tidak mengikut garispanduan, terutama merawat sisa dan bahan buangan terutama berkenaan alam sekitar.
Laporan Malay Mail Online:
Last chance for illegal factories in Selangor to get legalised, says MB
Persoalannya mengapa selesaian untuk ‘menghalalkan’ operasi industrialis dan pekebun yang beroperasi secara haram atau tidak menepati garispanduan oleh golongan minoriti ini, yang jelas menjadi punca pencemaran sistem air terawat di Selangor, masih lagi dicari?
Ini termasuk episod pembelian drone dengan harga yang tidak munsabah.
The Vibes:
Selangor exco skirts questions on RM2 mil drone deal
Hee Loy Sian tight-lipped when asked whether company chosen via open tender or direct negotiations
Updated 19 hours ago · Published on 20 Oct 2020 7:28PM · 0 Comments
KUALA LUMPUR – The Selangor environment exco has sidestepped questions on the state government’s decision to fork out RM2 million to lease four drones to monitor rivers in a bid to combat pollution.
Hee Loy Sian told The Vibes today that the matter is being handled by the state’s water management body.
“Sorry, I can’t reveal further. Everything is proposed by the Selangor Water Management Authority,” he said when asked about the company providing the drones and whether it was selected via open tender or direct negotiations.
The drones’ price tag has triggered outrage among netizens, among them Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The former prime minister, in a Facebook post, said: “The Selangor government is buying four drones to monitor rivers. The total cost is RM2 million. One is RM500,000.”
Checks by The Vibes found that the DJI Matrice 300 model ranges between US$6,500 and US$10,000 (RM27,000 and RM41,500), while the older Matrice 200 model is available for RM28,000 on online shopping platform Lazada.
Hee said RM2 million is not just for leasing the drones and having them operate for a period of one year.
“It’s also to cover the salaries of a number of workers, including engineers tasked with monitoring, 24-hour testing of water samples, maintenance, computers, and licensing for the necessary software.”
Mengapa Kerajaan Negeri Selangor tidak bertindak tegas dan terus menghalang daripada minoriti ini terus beroperasi, agar tiada lagi musibat kepada enam juta pengguna sekitar Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur.
Hakikatnya, akibat tamak mencari keuntungan segelintir industrialis dan pekebun yang yang tidak bertanggungjawab ini berterusan membawakan kesusahan dan menyeksa enam juta isi rumah dan masyarakat peniaga yang lain
Sebarang perakan penguasaan Dewan Rakyat bermaksud pihak yang layak untuk diangkat sebagai Perdana Menteri Malaysia mendapat securing kurangnya majoriti mudah dikalangan Ahli Parlimen juga menimbulkan maksud ada Ahli Parlimen yang ‘Melompat’ dan beralih arah sokongan yang diberikan kepada Perdana Menteri VIII Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin.
Pada 23 Feb 2020 di Kuala Lumpur, tiga Hari sebelum PRN Negeri Sabah, Ketua Pembangkang dan Presiden PKR Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim mengumumkan bahawa beliau “Cukup sokongan yang padu dan kredibel daripada majoriti Ahli Parlimen” dan akan mempersembahkanya kebawah DYMM SPB YDP Agong XVI.
“Kerajaan Perdana Menteri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin telah jatuh!”
Perdana Menteri Muhyiddin menafikan ini dan meneruskan tugas, dyngan memgumumkan peruntukan Khas tambahan bagi program untuk membantu rakyat terutama yang terkesan akibat gejala pandemik Covid-19.
Namun selepas berlaku beberapa siri ‘drama kecil’, maka pada 13 Oktober 2020 Ketua Pembangkang Anwar telah mengadap SPB YDP Agong XVI di Istana Negara pada 1100pagi.
Meringkaskan episod, Ketua Pembangkang Anwar gagal membuktikan bahawa sekelian MP menyokong beliau untuk menguasai Dewan Rakyat dan layak dilantik sebagai Perdana Menteri IX.
Namun dalam apa keadaan sekalipun, peralihan kuasa daripada Kerajaan kepada Ketua Pembangkang sebelum diadakan PRU, memerlukan Ahli-Ahli Parlimen berubah kedudukan mereka dan ‘melompat’ untuk menyokong sebelah lagi satu.
Mengekang fenomena ‘Lompat’ ini belum dimuktamadkan kerana sebarang Rang Undang-Undang Anti Lompat belum pernah dikemukakan kepada Dewan Rakyat oleh mana-mana Kerajaan, juga belum dibahaskan dan diluluskan.
Apa yang menarik ialah pemimpin kanan PKR (parti Ketua Pembangkang Anwar) sendiri tidak bersetuju dengan fenomena ‘Lompat’ ini. Naib Presiden PKR Dato’ Dr Xavier Jayakumar memberi tahu perkara ini dalam sebum temuramah dengan The Vibes pada 22 September 2020.
Ini merupakan susulan komen yang diberikan Mantan Presiden UMNO Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib “Bossku” Tun Razak yang mengutarakan pendapat beliau kepada The Vibes mengenai wakil rakyat yang ‘melompat’.
Sekarang merupakan masa yang tepat bagi PKR sebagai parti yang berpotensi untuk meneraju Kerajaan untuk menyatakan dengan jelas ketetapan mereka mengenai ‘Lompat Parti’.
Sistem demokrasi Raja Berperlembagaan ala Westminster yang diamalkan Malaysia perlu diutuhkan agar Kerajaan Persekutuan dan Negeri ditentukan oleh rakyat semasa PRU atar PRN melalui proses undi dan bukan separuh jalan ‘bertukar pengurusan’ akibat wakil-wakil rakyat yang ‘Melompat Parti’ atau ‘Berubah Blok Sokongan’.
The "thirteen million plus Ringgit" guy rambles.... 
Semburead behind the idea and manoeuvre of Emergency?
Strong rumours circulating that Minister of MITI Azmin Mohamed Ali, who is now a partyless wanderer after last December backstabbing his own party and Presiden Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is the man with the idea and manoeuvres of Emergency.
FMT:
Azmin slams ‘power-crazy’ Anwar, calls for political unity
FMT Reporters – October 24, 2020 9:53 PM
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Azmin Ali, formerly PKR deputy president, is now a senior minister in the Perikatan Nasional government.
PETALING JAYA: Senior minister Azmin Ali has called for political leaders to come together to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, while making a slashing attack on opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, describing him as a power-crazy liar.
He said Anwar’s recent moves to unseat the Muhyiddin Yassin government was “clearly the work of a power-crazy individual driven by selfish and egotistical motives with a pathological sense of entitlement as if the post of prime minister is his birthright”.
Last month, Anwar declared he had the majority support of MPs in the Dewan Rakyat enabling him to form a new government. He had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong earlier this month to press his case.
Azmin, an Anwar confidante and former PKR deputy president, fell out with Anwar and left to team up with Muhyiddin and PPBM earlier this year.
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He said: “In his relentless quest to become prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim has resorted to outright lies as well as subterfuge not only against the nation but even against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah).”
He said Anwar’s outburst yesterday – about the country’s possible descent into dictatorship (through a state of emergency) – was “an act of utter recklessness”.
Azmin said political leaders, regardless of their affiliation, must put aside differences and join forces with the people and government to fight the pandemic.
He criticised opposition members for sowing fear and resentment among the rakyat against the government’s “earnest efforts at securing public health and safety while ensuring economic recovery”.null
“Under these circumstances, it is only right and proper that we stand united behind all efforts at mitigating the pandemic and flattening the curve while ensuring minimal disruption to the economy,” he said.
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The Minister is said to put the idea ahead that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin would be facing a tough time with the next Parliamentary sitting just a week away.
This is after Opposition Leader Anwar was given audience to be presented to His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI on 13 Oct 2020.
This is also after UMNO officially announced they deep dissatisfaction on the treatment and allocation in the Federal and State Governments, after the party provided the largest component for PPBM President Muhyiddin to be Prime Minister VIII and other leaders to be Chief Ministers, despite their own party’s lesser presence against UMNO.
What Minister Azmin is calling “political leaders, regardless of their affiliation, must put aside differences and join forces with the people and government to fight the pandemic” is actually Prime Minister VII Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s ‘Unity Government’, called the day after the latter summarily resigned on 24 Feb 2020,
The void created by the resignation of Prime Minister VII Dr Mahathir provided the Opposition parties to gang up and despite being the largest block, UMNO agreed to back PPBM President Muhyiddin as Prime Minister VIII.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin was sworn in on 29 Feb 2020.
He formed a Cabinet within the next week, including Azmin and his partyless wandering lot of 10.
As the Covid-19 pandemic situation worsens, after consultation with the National Security Council, Prime Minister Muhyiddin announced Movement Control Order (MCO) beginning 18 Mar 2020.
A Special Cabinet meeting was held in the morning on 23 Oct 2020 and it is believed that the decision is proposed to His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI to invoke the provisions of Article 150(1) of the Federal Constitution is declared.
Then they, plus the Chief of Defence Forces, Attorney General, Inspector General of Police and DG of Health hurriedly left for Kuantan to sought an audience with His Majesty SPB YDP Agong XVI.
It is believed that the crux of the declaration of Emergency this round is all political.
Then again, Former Lord Chief Justice Tun Zaki Tun Azmi opined that the Crown could have taken a different approach to circumspec the issue instead of taking the advice of the Prime Minister.
The Vibes:
Agong can give counter advice against emergency – Tun Zaki Azmi
Although the federal constitution may allow for a declaration of emergency, it can be challenged if it is a means to a power grab
Updated 6 hours ago · Published on 25 Oct 2020 10:00AM · 0 CommentsFacebookTwitterEmailWhatsAppWeChatPrint
UNDERSTANDABLY the proposal for the declaration of an emergency brings a lot of worry to the citizens of the country.
I don’t blame the people as internationally it is only done by someone who intends to gain power, and thereafter rule dictatorially.
Malaysia, on the other hand, has seen six emergencies declared during the confrontation with Indonesia, in Kelantan, Sabah, Sarawak and the worst was to curb riots caused during the May 13, 1969 incident.
But all these emergencies went in for a very limited period. The longest was the May 13 emergency that ended in 1971.
But for those who have lived as long as I have, we, the country came out stronger after the emergency was lifted. I’ve been reading in the media that there is a lot of speculations as to:
A. whether there will indeed be an emergency;
B. what type of emergency.
When I say what type I mean to what extent the people in the government are going to use those powers.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Friday was met by the prime minister, who proposed instituting an emergency to curb the Covid-19 pandemic. The Agong has now decided to consult his brother rulers.
Under the federal constitution, the Agong is bound to follow the advice of His Majesty’s government, i.e the sitting prime minister and his cabinet; but it does not stop him from giving counter advice to the prime minister and the cabinet.
And I believe this is what His Majesty wants to do. He wants to consult his brother rulers and maybe summon the prime minister to express the consensus views of the rulers. This is also perhaps to ask the prime minister to reconsider his advice to the Agong.
In my opinion, if the prime minister still stands firm in his views, then the Agong is bound to follow his advice.
Now, this does not mean that the decision to proclaim an emergency cannot be challenged.
What can be challenged is the advice of the prime minister to the Agong. This was decided by a privy council case in 1979, in the case of Teh Cheng Poh v Public Prosecutor.
Let me say something as a businessman before being a judge.
Since the last few months, investors have been selling their shares and running out of Malaysia. Some say more will flee immediately after the emergency is proclaimed.
But people are running away from the country because of the political instability.
Businessmen and investors don’t like it when they are not sure what is going to happen tomorrow. Because every time a government changes, policies change.
They are happy when the government is stable because they know policies will remain for a certain period of time.
Look at the last government. Nothing happened within the 22 months they were ruling the country. Businessmen were not sure what was going on.
So, even if an emergency is proclaimed but the government when invoking the powers under the emergency do not abuse the power given, but use the power to rehabilitate the political situation and make it stable again, that would be good to the economy and to the country.
Of course, the opposition will say it is bad. Lawyers will also say it is bad. Some will refer to other countries where the prime minister becomes a dictator and holds on to the power of the emergency but in Malaysia, history has shown this has not happened.
We also do not know why the prime minister is seeking for the Agong to make the proclamation of emergency. Some speculate that it is to prevent a vote of no confidence. If that is the reason, then it is wrong.
On the other hand, if the proclamation is done to not allow an election now, which will result in the uncontrollable spread of Covid-19 as we have seen in Sabah, then in my opinion, it is valid.
Because if the country suffers from the pandemic, the result will be a threat to the economy and the lives of the people. In my opinion such declarations can be upheld by the courts.
Because when we declared the emergency for public order in 1969, the federal court held that even drug trafficking can result in a public disorder and held that detention under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crimes) Ordinance enacted pursuant to the 1969 declaration is valid, and upheld the detention.
If, however, it can be proven that the government is seeking the declaration of emergency only to prevent or protect its position then it is a mala fide act and can be declared ultra vires the constitution.
The risk of the Budget 2021 not being passed in case it is defeated and the prime minister loses the vote on the Budget and the vote of confidence that are not good grounds for declaring an emergency.
We must not also forget that an election in Sarawak is due in the next few months and we cannot deny that if it proceeds, campaigning will start soon. Campaigning means the risk of spreading the virus as we have seen in Sabah.
No doubt many people will say we will have tighter SOPs (standard operating procedures) but in theory I don’t think it could happen.
They could not do it in South Korea but there, two-thirds of voting had been done by post.
Meanwhile in New Zealand, the election was postponed until the country was clear of the virus. But when the election resumed, Covid-19 cases started to increase again.
The damage we saw here as a result of the election in Sabah was scary enough, and as a citizen I don’t want to face Covid-19.
As far as the general public is concerned, I think the large majority of the population want to get on with their daily lives and they are tired of the squabbling among politicians.
Alhamdulillah, my family and I are able to stay at home as we are fortunate enough to have sufficient funds for our daily needs. What about those who are suffering? Those who are not earning?
Here is one proposal: can all members of Parliament agree to pass a legislation so the federal election and state election can be postponed for, say, one or two years?
In the meantime, we fight Covid-19. And once Covid-19 is eradicated or we find a vaccine, we can revert to our usual practice and anyone can bring a vote of no confidence for an election to be held.
But if the pandemic spreads, then the (emergency) law allows the prime minister to postpone the election.
To me, let us wait for the Council of Rulers to make its decision and the prime minister to make his announcement. – The Vibes, October 25, 2020
Tun Zaki Azmi served as the sixth Chief Justice of Malaysia from 2008 to 2011.
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There are arguments against Minister Azmin’s ‘Unity Government’.
The Vibes:
Unity govt talk a ploy to manipulate royals?
Growing pressure on Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who faces possibility of no-confidence motion in coming weeks
Updated 2 minutes ago · Published on 25 Oct 2020 2:04PM · 0 CommentsFacebookTwitterEmailWhatsAppWeChatPrint
BY
Amar Shah Mohsen
KUALA LUMPUR – Politicians influencing royals are nothing new, and in the midst of an unprecedented political and health crisis, those with vested interests have once again surfaced – this time, to push for a unity government.
All eyes are on Istana Negara, where the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Malay rulers are scheduled to meet in a few minutes to decide on the government’s call for emergency rule.
This comes amid growing pressure on Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, with Budget 2021 on the line and the possibility of a motion of no confidence against him being tabled at the Parliament sitting that begins on November 2.
Talk of a unity government being formed has been bandied, both on and offline, and sources said this will be among the points of discussion at today’s meeting.
Unsurprisingly, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is said to be among those backing the move.
Working closely with his trusted lieutenant, Tun Daim Zainuddin, the pair are believed to have engineered the idea, and is using Kelantan prince Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah’s royal links to get the palace on board.
This appears to explain speculation on a recent meeting between Tengku Razaleigh and Dr Mahathir.
The Gua Musang lawmaker, despite not being a political party head, was also the only other MP to have met the Agong following an audience granted to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 13, with the palace subsequently postponing all other scheduled meetings with party leaders.
If a unity government does indeed materialise, Dr Mahathir could once again be part of the ruling coalition, and subject to agreement with allies, be given certain positions.
However, the big question is whether such a government is actually feasible.
While not exactly a unity government by name, the cooperation between Dr Mahathir and Anwar under the Pakatan Harapan banner ahead of the 14th general election is similar to the current proposal.
The duo are known to not see eye to eye, but they put aside their political differences for the common goal of toppling the Datuk Seri Najib Razak-led Barisan Nasional government.
From then on, it was downhill for Dr Mahathir and Anwar – and PH, for that matter.
The promised transition of power to the PKR president after two years did not happen, and the infighting among PH components eventually led to the coalition’s fall.
The learned rulers will of course take this into consideration before arriving at any decision.
Malaysians do not want yet another government to collapse, dragging the country deeper into the doldrums, especially when the Covid-19 threat persists.
Manipulating the royal institution for selfish ends is the last thing politicians should do. – The Vibes, October 25, 2020
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Prime Minister Muhyiddin’s political position on ‘borrowed support’ had been weak and flimsy from day one. His own party PPBM was never strong and their wield of power is based on the ‘political goodwill’ extended by UMNO MPs.
Yet Minister Azmin, whom himself a party less wanderer without a sound political base, is riding on the Prime Minister Muhyiddin’s ‘borrowed support’ of flimsy and brittle power.
Minister Azmin is defending an indefensible position of the Prime Minister Muhyiddin, which the Declaration of Emergency is clearly a PPBM agenda without UMNO.
It is no brainer that this is probably the last option for them to remain legitimately in power, by manipulating the Federal Constitution and getting the Crown involved their scheme.
- Commentary
on October 25, 2020 at 13:30 Leave a Comment