The Malaysian Insight

OPPOSITION MPs have called for the resignation of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin as well as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Parliament) Takiyuddin Hassan after Istana Negara today revealed Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was not aware the government had revoked the emergency ordinances.

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim (Port Dickson-PH) demanded Muhyiddin (Pagoh-PN) step down following the government’s blunder in announcing the end of emergency last Monday without tabling it in the Dewan Rakyat, or receiving royal approval.

Other Pakatan Harapan lawmakers shouted ‘derhaka’ (treason) in the debating chamber.

“This is treason,” said RSN Rayer (Jelutong-PH).

Lim Lip Eng (Kepong-PH) echoed this call, adding “letak jawatan” (resign).

The shouts were primarily aimed at Takiyuddin, who made the announcement in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday that emergency ordinances had been revoked, effective July 21, hence there was no need to debate them in Parliament.

Neither Muhyiddin or Takiyuddin were in the chamber when the matter was raised by Anwar.

Sallehuddin Ayub (Pulai-PH) urged Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohd Rashid Hasnon to summon Muhyiddin and Takiyuddin to the chamber.

Ayub then insisted Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Bera-BN) stand up and address the issue.

“Stand up, say something,” said the Amanah lawmaker.

Rashid tried to play down the statement from the palace but received a stern admonition from Anwar.

Rashid then attempted to continue the sitting. However, Mohd Noh Omar (Tanjong Karang-BN) interjected, telling him to postpone the sitting to 2.30pm.

The king today expressed disappointment with the government’s announcement that it had withdrawn emergency ordinances on July 21 without any debate in Parliament.

He also said that he was not informed of the government’s intention to do so.

In a statement issued by Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, the king said Takiyuddin’s announcement on the revocation had misled the lawmakers.

He also said Takiyuddin’s remarks in the Dewan Rakyat were inaccurate.

The opposition bloc has been calling Takiyuddin to clarify his revocation announcement since Monday but the PAS lawmaker said he would only address the matter next Monday. – July 29, 2021.