PETALING JAYA: More organisations have joined the chorus of voices criticising the declaration of emergency, saying that it was wrong to use elections as an excuse for the “assault on civil liberties”.
CSO Platform for Reform, a coalition of civil society organisations, said the proclamation of emergency does not demonstrate any real necessity and only gives unfettered executive powers to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
Representatives from its member NGOs spoke up, at an online press conference today, on the need to flatten the Covid-19 pandemic curve using existing public health measures and finding solutions moving forward.
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) executive director Wathshlah G Naidu said Malaysia, as a democratic country, must figure out different ways to carry out elections.
“It can still be done with clear systems in place. What we need to do is study the different models of carrying out elections during such times as a pandemic.
“Consider different ways of limiting physical campaigning, maybe the use of mass media or social media as election platforms, while adopting the necessary procedures,” she said.
Sevan Doraisamy of Suara Rakat Malaysia, meanwhile, said it was clear that the Perikatan Nasional government was losing power and confidence among the public, and was using the emergency to stay in power instead of curbing Covid-19.
“Generally, the public does not want a general election now,” he said, adding that the Sept 26 Sabah state election was proof that polls should not take place as it leads to a surge in cases.
Muhyiddin had said Parliament and state assembly sittings will be suspended until a later date set by the King, while the general election, state elections and by-elections also cannot be held during the emergency period.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, had declared a state of emergency to curb the spread of Covid-19. The King consented for the emergency to last until Aug 1, or an earlier date if Covid-19 cases are reduced by then. This followed a meeting with Muhyiddin on Monday.
Irene Xavier, from Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor, said the suspension of Parliament now meant that it cannot pass any proposed amendments to labour and trade union laws.
“The current situation now leaves many sectors in a very vulnerable position, as the workers will not get full trade union rights.
“Amnesty for undocumented migrant workers is also on hold. This means workers will be arrested and detained. This will make the situation worse, particularly during this Covid-19 pandemic.”
Source: Free Malaysia Today
