Takiyuddin: I've sent letter to Anwar to propose three opposition candidates for special independent committee

PETALING JAYA: The government has requested the Opposition to propose three candidates to sit on the special independent committee that will advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the state of emergency.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan (pic) confirmed that a letter was sent by him to Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to request for three names to sit in the committee that will also consist of health experts.

"The letter was sent to the Opposition leader on Wednesday (Jan 13) to propose three names from Opposition MPs to be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to sit in the Special Independent Committee," said Takiyuddin, who is also de facto law minister.

A source from Anwar's office also confirmed that the letter was received by the PKR president and said an announcement will be made soon.

However, details surrounding the committee was scant, as it is still not known who are the other members of the committee.

It is understood that the committee will consist of leaders from both sides of the political divide, health experts and stakeholders.

The special independent committee, which was part of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's national emergency announcement, is also aimed at advising the King on how long the state of emergency is needed to be in order.

On Tuesday (Jan 12), the King had decreed for the Emergency to be in force until to Aug 1 or earlier if the number of Covid-19 cases can be effectively controlled and brought down.

The state of emergency was enforced nationwide from Tuesday (Jan 12) until Aug 1 as a proactive measure to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.