Commenting on the King’s meeting with political leaders since Wednesday, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) said that too often, there is a “huge gap” between the reality on the ground and the perception of politicians.

Depending on their position, Fomca president Marimuthu Nadason said, politicians may be over optimistic or overly critical.

He said the parties they represent would very much influence their views on the rakyat’s situation and what needs to be done.

“It is our feeling that the NGOs have their eyes and ears on the ground. They are closest to the rakyat.

“They better understand their needs and concerns and maybe better on how best to move forward to overcome the challenges the people face and improve their well-being,” he said in a statement.

All political party leaders were granted an audience with the King to discuss, among others, the Covid-19 crisis and the emergency.

Earlier today, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he  had proposed to the King not to extend the emergency, which is scheduled to be lifted on Aug 1.