Former AG Thomas: Form a unity government instead of calling a national emergency

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 24): Tan Sri Tommy Thomas (pictured) implores Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin not to resort to calling an emergency. The former attorney-general (AG), however, proposes to Muhyiddin to form a unity government to deal with the country’s worsening Covid-19 pandemic, which saw daily new cases hit 1,228 today. 

While the former AG recognised the threat of Covid-19 taking a heavy toll on the health of the people, he stressed that this should not be the reason to have an emergency declared.

In a statement issued today, Thomas wrote that calling an emergency would have grave consequences, especially on the country’s economy. 

He pointed out that the rating agencies will immediately downgrade the country’s sovereign ratings. Consequently, the country’s borrowing costs will instantly go up, and this perhaps will result in difficulty in borrowing. 

He forewarns that the share market will plunge, the ringgit will plummet and business confidence shattered. “Hence the 'economic life' of Malaysia demands no emergency. Period,” he said in the statement, stressing that Malaysia should not descend to this.

“I implore the Prime Minister to withdraw this option (calling an emergency). Rather, the problem is created by the 222 Members of Parliament. The solution therefore lies in their hands.

“If that means, the Prime Minister and his political opponents have to spend next week horse-trading and bargaining for inclusion in a true unity government, they must undertake that with a spirit of consensus and compromise.

“The people of Malaysia, whom you are supposed to represent, are absolutely disgusted with the present state of affairs. The last thing we want is a national emergency caused solely by the ambitions and greed of politicians,” he said in the statement.

The Parliament is scheduled to begin its session on Nov 2 and the tabling of the budget scheduled on Nov 6.

Thomas further warned that the PM is conflicted in seeking a Proclamation of Emergency solely to stay in office, as his private interests are in conflict with his public duty and the decision to call an emergency can be challenged in court.

Looking at Article 150(1), the conditions to declare an emergency involve security, economic life or public order and “health” is not a ground.

“In my opinion, a Proclamation of Emergency in present circumstances is justiciable before our courts,” he added.

Speculation of an emergency being called has been rife since yesterday, particularly after news that Muhyiddin had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in Kuantan.

Sultan Abdullah has called for a meeting of the nine Malay rulers for this, and the meeting is scheduled tomorrow. For the time being, the King has requested Malaysians to remain calm.

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