Now is not the time to change the government, says Dr Awang Sariyan

PETALING JAYA: A national language and literature icon has called for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to consider announcing a “political ceasefire” amid the raging Covid-19 pandemic.

Prof Datuk Seri Dr Awang Sariyan has requested for Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to consider the appeal for a truce, as called for by 175 non-governmental organisations.

“The focus of the leaders and MPs should be on dealing with the pandemic. Any plan to change the government should be postponed to a more suitable time for the best interest of the people, including their well-being and health as a whole,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Aug 14).

Dr Awang - who is also the chairman of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) board of governors - said that the King, as the protector of the country, would be able to resolve any conflicts and differences that happen among certain parties.

“I am confident that Tuanku is the most appropriate authority in giving leadership to the people,” he added.

On Friday (Aug 13), some 175 Muslim NGOs submitted a memorandum to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, pleading with the King to intervene in the ongoing political turmoil.

Under the umbrella of Gerakan Pembela Ummah (Ummah), they appealed for the King and Malay Rulers to issue a decree for politicians to prioritise the lives of the people amid the worsening pandemic.

Following concerns that no party would have the majority to form a new government should the current one fall, Ummah also urged the King to put an end to the politicking.

“We think that a change of the prime minister, Cabinet and government is not the right thing to do at this time because it will only add to the confusion,” said Ummah, adding that there was no guarantee for the new government to manage the Covid-19 situation better.

Several other NGOs have also submitted their own memorandums to the King earlier, however, calling for the opposite of what Ummah asked for.