What good can the National Security Council, led by the PM himself, offer under emergency rule when the real problem lies in the motive of the government leadership itself, Patriot writes.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and his cabinet’s proposal to invoke emergency rule purportedly due to the spike in Covid-19 infections, citing the reason that people do not want an election, is absurd, ill-conceived and insincere.
When news broke out on a cabinet proposal to place the nation under emergency, it caused an unprecedented public outcry. There were incessant calls by citizens of all levels of society to denounce the proposal, as the word emergency conjures a sense of uncertainty, fear and insecurity that is likely to affect citizens’ daily lives.
Several of our learned legal minds have given comprehensive views against invoking the emergency rule, as well as numerous NGOs voicing disagreement. Patriot stands with them.
A forgone conclusion if an emergency is imposed is that our already struggling economy will go into a tailspin, spiralling to a crash. Business and economic indicators will be flashing red – more bankruptcies, unemployment, retrenchments, foreclosures and loan defaults; higher private debt; a stock market crash and the downgrading of our economy by rating agencies.
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Besides, social ills will worsen – more thefts and burglaries and increased financial and emotional constraints faced by families. Families relying on handouts will get worse and face more hardship.
To attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus infection by imposing emergency rule and justifying it by saying the people are against having elections – how moronic.
Certainly, there are much better ways to combat the current spike in the infection, like specific locality lockdowns or partial lockdowns. Implementing a mitigation strategy had at times been haphazard and showed dual standards, causing distrust towards politicians. Most Malaysians are law abiding and conform to regulations imposed.
Combating the scourge of this epidemic requires total the involvement and support of all parties, creeds and colours. We have capable and intelligent people from without those in the ruling circle. The government leadership must work hard on its trust deficit and reach out with a sincere hand.
Furthermore, what good can the National Security Council, led by the prime minister himself, offer under emergency rule when the actual problem lies in the motive and sincerity of the government leadership in calling for emergency rule?
Retired Brigadier General Dato Mohamed Arshad Raji is presdent of the National Patriots Association (Patriot)
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
Just an excuse to hold on to power, and continue to rob the country of its assets. Our politicians are too altruistic and only think of their own gains. Which of them are really morally right and have some decent principles. Politicians are suppose to work for the good of the people and the nation. Name me one who can be otherwise?