Istana Negara Says COVID-19 Emergency Law Revoked Without The Consent Of The King Of Malaysia

Illustration of the Malaysian government center Perdana Putra Building. (Wikimedia Commons/JaseMan)

JAKARTA - Shocking news came from the neighboring country, where the State Palace where the Malaysian King Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah resided, said the king did not give his approval to revoke the COVID-19 emergency status.

In a statement issued Thursday, July 29, the State Palace said the initial agreement was to discuss and debate the cancellation of the procedure at the ongoing special parliamentary meeting.

This comes after de facto Law Minister Takiyiddin Hassan announced on Monday that the months-long state of emergency would not be extended beyond August 1.

He also said the six emergency regulations introduced during the state of emergency, which started on January 12, had been repealed and canceled by the government on July 21, following a Cabinet meeting on the same day.

The decision caused the opposition to pressure Takiyuddin, asking for the king's approval of the repeal of the entire regulation, to which Takiyuddin answered by saying he would provide an explanation next week.

Thursday's statement issued by palace finance supervisor Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, read, "Article 150(2B), read out together with Article 150(3) of the Federal Constitution, clearly gives the power to declare and revoke regulations with His Majesty.

"In line with this, Your Majesty is deeply saddened by the statement made in parliament on July 26, the government has revoked all emergency regulations issued by His Majesty during the state of emergency, while the repeal has not been approved by His Majesty," the palace quoted CNA as saying Thursday 29 July.

Illustration of the State Palace in-Pertuan Agong Malaysia. (Wikimedia Commons/CEphoto, Uwe Aranas)

The palace said the king was disappointed that his previous approval of the proposal to propose and debate emergency regulations in parliament was not implemented. The approval was granted during an online hearing given to Takiyuddin and Attorney General Idrus Harun on July 24, he added.

"His Majesty stressed that the minister's statement in parliament on July 26 was inaccurate and had misled MPs."

The king's view, the hasty repeal and contradictory and misleading statements in parliament, does not respect the rule of law enshrined in the Rukun Negara, while also reducing the function and power of the king as head of state, according to the statement.

While acknowledging that he must act on Cabinet advice, he views that as head of state, he has a responsibility to advise against unconstitutional acts committed by any party, especially those exercising the functions and powers of the king, the statement added.

To note, the current five-day special parliamentary meeting, which starts on Monday, is to pave the way for parliament to hold a session. It is the first time lawmakers have gathered in the People's Council after a state of emergency was declared in January.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and other ministers will brief MPs on the government's COVID-19 response and recovery plan. After the briefing, MPs can ask for clarification and provide their views, ending with the ministers answering the issues raised by them.