For Jeniri Amir, the monarchy is displaying “wisdom” in taking an inclusive approach to addressing concerns over the handling of the Covid-19 situation.
“The fact that the King has summoned political party leaders, including members of the opposition, highlights His Majesty’s deep concern for the situation,” he said.
He said it was “rare” for the monarchy to get directly involved in matters of the state, though it was not the first time under the present administration.
Jeniri, who is a fellow of the National Council of Professors, noted that the King convened a special rulers’ meeting to discuss a proposed declaration of emergency last year, while the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, had also called on the state’s elected representatives to meet amid the closure of Parliament and the Johor legislative assembly.
“To me, all this says a lot about the government’s failure in handling the Covid-19 crisis,” he told FMT.
He said the state of emergency declared in January should have given Putrajaya sufficient time, power and space to address the Covid-19 situation, something it did successfully through the first movement control order (MCO) last year.
“In an emergency, the federal government is in the driver’s seat. Politicking does not, and should not, become a problem. Somehow, despite the power and resources at the government’s disposal, the Covid-19 situation has become worse,” he said.
Jeniri said Parliament remained the best platform for issues affecting the nation to be discussed.
“I believe His Majesty is aware of this, and I think this is why he has made it clear that Parliament can convene during an emergency. It is the government that has advised against it.”
Previously, de facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan said the Cabinet would not advise the King to allow Parliament to reconvene during the emergency.
He said then that there was no need for it as the King could enact laws through the Emergency Ordinance.
Jeniri said the King’s summoning of political party leaders allowed him to obtain the views of people and leaders since Parliament could not sit.
“I think the King is trying to go beyond politics in addressing the issue by being inclusive and speaking to all parties and the other rulers.
“I don’t think it is something that bodes well politically for Perikatan Nasional but it would serve them and the people well to take a leaf from His Majesty.”
Jeniri said the government should view the criticisms, opinions and proposals of all parties in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis objectively.
“So what if an idea or proposal comes from the biggest government critics, who cares if an idea comes from Najib Razak or Pakatan Harapan. As long as it is the right thing to do, the government should listen,” he said.
Oh Ei Sun, a fellow with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said he believed one could only speculate on what the rulers would discuss, though one of the biggest issues facing the government of the day was the lack of trust in it.
“Franky, there is little trust in this administration from various parties and groups because of the haphazard handling of Covid-19 and its ‘firefighting’ approach to everything. Many people and businesses, local and foreign, are quite disappointed.
“The people want to see the Covid-19 crisis handled better, and it does not appear as if the government of the day can do this,” he said, adding that this could see calls for a change in government growing louder.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR LIVE UPDATE OF THE COVID-19 SITUATION IN MALAYSIA