Malaysian PM acknowledges king's rebuff of virus emergency

Malaysian PM acknowledges king's rebuff of virus emergency

SeattlePI.com

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia's prime minister said his government was prioritizing protecting people from COVID-19 amid a new outbreak after the king rebuffed his emergency proposal that critics saw as an undemocratic attempt to hold onto power.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's proposal for the king to declare a state of emergency to fight the coronavirus would have suspended Parliament and let him dodge an imminent test of his support. Muhyiddin could then govern through ordinances that could not be challenged in court.

The plan sparked national outrage, but the king's decision to reject it Sunday was praised by many Malaysians on social media.

The palace said in a statement that Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah “is of the opinion that there is currently no need for His Majesty to declare a state of emergency in this country or any part of Malaysia."

The king also said the government has handled the pandemic well and believes Muhyiddin is capable of coping with the crisis, though he also called for a halt to “all politicking” that could disrupt the government’s stability.

Hours later, Muhyiddin said the Cabinet noted the king's decision and will further discuss the decree. Local media said the Cabinet is expected to meet later Monday. His aide couldn't be immediately reached for comment.

“The priority of the Cabinet and the government at this time is to protect citizens from the COVID-19 disease," he said in a brief statement. He also welcomed the king's advice to ensure his government's stability.

Muhyiddin took power in March but holds only a two-seat majority in Parliament. He faces challenges from opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who says he has majority support but needs the monarch's approval to form a new government, as well as from...

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