Hectic – this is the perfect word to describe the current political situation in Malaysia. We’re now on Day 4 of the Parliamentary Sitting and so much has happened, since! As of today, the parliament has been suspended 3 times in total. The recent suspension is due to a suspected Covid-19 outbreak where all the members of Parliament are not allowed to leave the building and instead, go through a swab test using self-test kits with the aid of front liners. With all the drama going on, it’s extremely important to read full statements instead of judging from the click-bait like headlines from mainstream media.
Local comedian and actor, Harith Iskander, via Instagram, reminded netizens to read the full statement to understand a certain issue. According to his post, he said, “The headlines have been sensational over the last hour over the statement from Istana Negara. But a headline is a headline — a condensed version. If you would want to understand the full issue, read the full statement. Now everyone will be watching.”
The issue, in question, refers to the statement released by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah regarding the revocation of Emergency Ordinances. The Agong was deeply saddened by the de facto law minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s assertion in Parliament that the Emergency Ordinances have been revoked.
Earlier, on Monday, 26th July, Takiyuddin stated that the emergency ordinances were revoked on 21st July — a statement that shocked everyone, especially those in the August house. This abrupt statement was chided by the Agong because apparently, it has confused Parliament as the announcement was inaccurate.
Adding on, he was also upset due to the fact that the government had decided not to extend the period of Emergency and its accompanying Ordinances post-1st August. This was, unfortunately, a move that has not been assented by the Agong himself. Furthermore, the revocation has not been informed by Takiyuddin and the Attorney General, Tan Sri Idrus Harun during their virtual meeting with him.
The Agong also feels as though the revocation was done hastily without Parliament’s approval and it has failed to uphold the sovereignty of the law, as mentioned in the Rukun Negara. That also meant, that the roles and powers of the King, as the nation’s head of state has been disregarded heavily by the offenders.
The statement by the Agong has been released while the members of Parliament were still in heavy discussion. It was then, read out by Leader of the Opposition, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, immediately after its release. With the confusion arising regarding the country’s political state, it is indeed important to keep your mental health in check.
News as such would be frustrating to listen, so, take a break from the news and live updates if it’s absolutely necessary. We hope to see a conclusion to Malaysia’s “Game of Thrones”.
