Throughout the emergency order period which is being implemented due to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases as of late, PM Muhyiddin stated that the civilian government, both on federal and state level will continue to function. However, it is also important to note that the Parlimen and state legislative members will not be able to convene throughout the emergency period. Likewise, no elections will be held during the state of emergency. In the speech, PM Muhyiddin has promised that the 15th Malaysian general election will be held once the special independent committee deemed that the situation is safe enough for the country to end the emergency. Meanwhile, PM Muhyiddin has also pointed out that the King has the power to implement any necessary ordinances that are deemed necessary from time to time, in the interest of public safety and stability. One such example as mentioned in his speech is the emergency ordinance that would temporarily allow the government to take over private hospitals to utilise their resources to test and treat COVID-19 patients to elevate the massive stress on the national healthcare system. [L – R] PM Muhyiddin and Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah during a meeting in November 2020.All in all, aside from the main points above, things should go on as it is. By that, we mean under the direction of the Movement Control Order 2.0 that was just announced yesterday. That being said, in-depth details regarding certain standard operating procedures will only be revealed by the Senior Minister of Security Cluster, Ismail Sabri Yaakob during today’s daily briefing session at 5:00 PM later. (Source: Prime Minister Office. Image: nadi0 @ Flickr, used under Creative Commons license; Istana Negara.)
