Extend special Parliament sitting to allow MPs to discuss Emergency Ordinances, says Ku Li

PETALING JAYA: Veteran Umno lawmaker Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has called for the extension of the current special Parliament sitting to allow MPs to discuss the Emergency Ordinances.

He said such a move would allow lawmakers to raise the voice of the rakyat on the pros and cons of the Emergency Ordinances.

"I feel that because there no direction from the government, I would like to suggest again, following the statement made by the Istana Negara, that the Prime Minister and his ministers to resign honourably from leading the government and return the powers to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and let the King decide on the country’s future," he said during a press conference in a video recording posted on his Facebook page Friday night (July 30).

He said if there is a leadership change, perhaps the economic situation will recover and new strategies can be adopted for the country to stop the Covid-19 pandemic.

"How many more thousands of deaths should we experience, including those who had committed suicide, before an effective measure can be adopted.

"We also hear of many working opportunities and economic stimulus packages that have been provided by the government, but is this happening on the ground?" he asked.

"Many more are still hunting for jobs and business opportunities. With the current situation, it is hard for the rakyat to manage and continue with their livelihood," he added.

On Thursday (July 29), Istana Negara released a strongly-worded statement saying that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had expressed great disappointment with the government's decision to revoke six Emergency Ordinances without His Majesty's consent.

The Royal rebuke came following a bombshell announcement by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Parliament) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan in Parliament on July 26 that the government had revoked all six Emergency Ordinances on July 21.

Following the statement by Istana Negara, the Prime Minister's Office issued a response saying that the government is of the view that the action taken related to the revocation of the ordinances is proper, and in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the rule of law.