THE Penang government has urged the Federal government to first consult all the state governments and other related parties should it decide to propose for a state of emergency to address the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The speculation over a possible proclamation of an emergency has been the talk of the town after Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah yesterday.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the speculation has created much distress amongst political parties, civil society, media personnel and the Bar Council.
“We strongly believe that any such action will have to be consulted thoroughly with all the state governments, various stakeholders and political parties.
“If the state governments are to be affected, we want the Federal Government to first consult us before a decision is made.
“This is because the emergency will impact the economic recovery of a particular state and the exercises that have been done under various packages to stimulate the economy during this period.
“It will jeopardise all these efforts if a declaration of an emergency is made,” Chow told a press conference today.
Chow also said the matter must be considered very seriously because it also involves the livelihood of the people.
“Although we are all in a recovery stage now, please be reminded that the fight against this pandemic is far from over.
“It is very important for the Government to prioritise the well-being of the people amid the recovery stage now, before any such decision (to propose for an emergency) can be made,” Chow added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhammad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud