Govt to consider emergency in Gerik, Bugaya if Covid-19 risks remain

The government will consider proposing an emergency declaration in the Gerik parliamentary constituency in Perak and Bugaya state constituency in Sabah if these constituencies are at risk of Covid-19 transmissions, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Takiyuddin Hassan said the decision would be made after the matter is referred to the health ministry and National Security Council.

“This matter is stipulated under the provisions of Article 150 (1) of the Federal Constitution which are allowed if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is satisfied that a state of emergency can be declared in an area or the whole of Malaysia.

“This includes what was done in the Batu Sapi parliamentary constituency where the Yang di-Pertuan Agong made a proclamation of emergency for the constituency, in effect cancelling the by-election for the seat.

“The same move is expected to be considered by the government if the Gerik parliamentary and Bugaya state constituencies face the same risks,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2021 at committee level for the Prime Minister’s Department in the Dewan Rakyat today.

On Nov 18, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah declared a state of emergency for the Batu Sapi parliamentary constituency, cancelling the by-election set for Dec 5.

On Nov 27, the Election Commission announced that the by-elections for the Gerik parliamentary seat and Bugaya state seat would be held simultaneously on Jan 16.

Responding to Fahmi Fadzil (PH-Lembah Pantai) who wanted to know whether the government would declare a state of emergency in Sarawak if the Sarawak state assembly is dissolved, Takiyuddin said the government would consider the matter when the time comes.