Amid emergency declaration, ASEAN MPs urge Malaysia to maintain parliamentary sittings

JAKARTA – Southeast Asian lawmakers today expressed alarm about reports that Malaysia has introduced a declaration of emergency in order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision that will lead to no parliamentary sittings for several months, hindering crucial oversight during a tumultuous period in the country’s political environment.

According to the palace, Malaysia’s King has given consent for a Declaration of Emergency Proclamation until August 1 2021, or an earlier date if the number of daily COVID-19 cases can be brought under control. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has said there will be no parliamentary or state assembly meetings until “a later date” set by the King, while a general election, state elections and by-elections cannot be held during the emergency. 

“Given the political instability Malaysia has faced since Prime Minister Muhyiddin came to power through a back-door government in March 2020, the decision to suspend parliament raises serious concerns that his government is intent on avoiding parliamentary scrutiny,” said Tom Villarin, a Board Member of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and former Philippine Member of Parliament (MP). 

The emergency measure comes amid a recent government announcement to reimpose stricter  COVID-19 restrictions in some states, which is scheduled to begin on 13 January and last for two weeks.

“Parliaments play an essential role as guardians of democracy and human rights, particularly during times of crisis, such as what Malaysia is currently experiencing. Important measures are currently being adopted in Malaysia, and parliament provides much-needed scrutiny, which is particularly important given that the current government came to power through back-door maneuvring, and not at the ballot box,” said Villarin. 

Background: 

Malaysia has faced political upheaval in the past year, and in March 2020 Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin emerged as the leader of a coalition with a majority of only a few lawmakers after former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed stood down. The situation has led to calls for a vote of no confidence to be held against Prime Minister Muhyiddin, as well as speculation that a snap election could take place.