In a Facebook post, Najib said if reports that the government is considering an emergency to contain the Covid-19 pandemic are true, it would be one that is actually politically motivated.

Earlier today, The Star, quoting multiple sources, reported the Cabinet had discussed seeking an emergency declaration as the Covid-19 situation worsens nationwide.

Najib said the first movement control order (MCO) was quite strict, with armed forces personnel brought in to ensure compliance.

“What else was not enough to fight Covid-19 then? As proven in the first MCO last year, the Prevention of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 is more than enough to contain Covid-19 without the need to declare an emergency or suspend Parliament.”

He said if it is true that the government is seeking an emergency, more people will get the perception that the government only wants to hold on to power.

Najib said many will also perceive that the Perikatan Nasional government intentionally relaxed nearly all restrictions and allowed the Covid-19 situation to worsen so that they can then request for an emergency again after their first attempt in October failed.

“An MCO 2.0 would suffice.”

Last October, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah rejected the government’s request to declare an emergency.