In a statement, the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) said it was concerned over news reports that a state of Emergency may be declared and this includes the suspension of Parliament.
Speculation over a declaration of Emergency and the proroguing of Parliament has been rife following a special Cabinet meeting yesterday.
“It will hamper business sentiment, further worsening the already negative economic outlook following events of the year,” said IDEAS chief executive Tricia Yeoh.
Already, Covid-19 has led to the Malaysian economy contracting for the first time since the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, affecting businesses and the B40 most critically.
“A national emergency will only further exacerbate the hardship faced by small business owners, increase unemployment and threaten economic growth.”
The suspension of Parliament, she added, would reduce accountability in government decision-making, diverting enormous powers to the Executive and further undermining the government’s legitimacy.
Yeoh added the upcoming Budget 2021 also needed to be scrutinised by elected representatives, debated and passed. This cannot happen if Parliament is suspended.
While the Covid-19 situation has worsened, Yeoh said it did not warrant a suspension of democratic institutions as Malaysia already has the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) to handle such situations.
“Furthermore, if businesses are allowed to operate as usual and no curfews are imposed, the speculated reason for the Emergency will be that it is being imposed for political reasons, which will erode public trust in the government of the day.
“Absolute power vested in the Executive is a slippery slope that can lead to further suspension of civil liberties and good governance practices.”
Meanwhile, Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi said an Emergency would be detrimental to the country’s democracy for years to come.
“We do not need to rush to declare a state of emergency just because the people in power want to cling on to their positions.”