Malaysia's king rejects PM's proposal to declare emergency

26/10/2020 11:23

        Malaysia's king rejected a proposal by embattled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to declare a state of emergency to fight a new outbreak of the coronavirus.
        The plan by Muhyiddin, which involves suspending Parliament, has sparked national outrage, with critics slamming the move as an undemocratic means for him to hang on to power amid challenges to his leadership.
        
        The palace said in a statement that Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah "is of the opinion that there is currently no need for His Majesty to declare a state of emergency in this country or any part of Malaysia."
        
        Hours later, Muhyiddin said the Cabinet took note of the king's decision and will further discuss the decree.