by SHAHEERA AZNAM SHAH/ file pix BERNAMA

ALL of the emergency ordinances (EOs) have been revoked on July 21 following the government’s decision to cancel it under the Article 150 of the Federal Constitution.

Law minister Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said the government also decided to not advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the Emergency extension, which is set to end on August 1.

“I would like to confirm today that the federal government has decided not to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to declare a new Proclamation of Emergency when it expires on August 1, 2021.

“The government has made a decision based on Article 150 (3) to revoke all emergency ordinances made during this emergency proclamation. Because it has been revoked, the issue of annulment is no longer relevant,” he told Dewan Rakyat today.

Responding to Takiyuddin surprise revelation, Port Dickson MP and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it is unfair for any decision on the emergency ordinances to not involve MPs from the opposite parties.

Anwar also called out Takiyuddin’s blatant manner in informing the lawmakers about the revocation and sarcastically questioning if the ruling government treats it as a conversation at a night market.

The Port Dickson MP said should such revocation has been consented by the King, the ruling government should present a written proof.

Over the weekend, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun (picture) said he has rejected a motion proposed by Anwar to debate and vote on the proclamations.

In a letter, Azhar said the motion was submitted on July 12 and is deemed too early prior to the notice for the special parliamentary meeting issued three days later.

Earlier, Malaysian lawmakers launched into a shouting match during the first hour of the Dewan Rakyat on the validity and purpose of the special sitting today.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo and Selayang MP William Leong were among the opposition lawmakers who stressed the nature of the special meeting, which does not allow the members of the house to vote on the order of the meeting similar to regular sitting.

Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin also threw a jibe at Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, saying that he has committed “treason” as Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had originally called for a parliament to reconvene in order to debate and vote on the matters related to the pandemic and Malaysians’ livelihood.

Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh also caused outrage when he asked if the Azhar is a “government lapdog” over his decision for not bringing the Emergency Proclamation to the parliament.

“You were a lawyer yourself thus you understand that the ordinance and proclamation of emergency must be brought to Parliament.

“The Speaker must understand the rules that regulate the house and they cannot supersede the Constitution. Are you a “government lapdog”?

“You have disgraced this Dewan and you are not fit to chair, thus you must resign,” he said.

After the unsettling jeers between both sides of the house, Azhar showed dissatisfaction by raising his voice to the opposition and asking MPs to apply the rules even when they are not in favour of the MPs.

Former Prime Minister (PM) and Langkawi MP Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who interrupted the Dewan Speaker, cited the severity of the current daily Covid-19 cases, which has breach 17,000, its highest level to date.

He sarcastically posed a question to Dewan Speaker if a debate will be allowed when the fatalities tallied at 1,000 per day.

Referring to the Covid-19 statistics, he said the country’s recovery plan has not been successful in tackling the pandemic and that the special meeting does not serve the purpose of helping the people.

“For the next five days, we will hear ministers explaining their plans. This is ineffective since their plans were announced, the number of cases has increased from 6,000 cases to 17,000 cases.

“How long should we discuss the solutions to overcome the pandemic when all the government does is just explaining? If we have a solution, there is no need for a meeting, just issue a white paper.

“People have been suffering and daily positive cases have reached 17,000. All these people should be receiving the proper treatment but instead, they are told to quarantine at home because of the unavailability of hospital beds,” Dr Mahathir said.