Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM) is deeply concerned with reports of the government’s intention to enforce a national Emergency. Such action would harm democratic processes, impair the nation’s economy, deter foreign investors, and bring general detriment to the people’s lives.
The potential repercussions of an Emergency have left the nation’s citizens in a state of palpable anxiety. More hardship is poised to befall those who are already living under strenuous circumstances.
IKRAM emphasises that the current political fiasco has gone on for too long, affecting the economy and people’s livelihood negatively. It must be ceased immediately.
This conflict must be managed pragmatically, in the best interests of the nation and its people. To navigate its way through current challenges, the country needs leaders of calibre from a stable, inclusive government that engages with all main stakeholders and field experts.
Collaborative politics must be given serious deliberation by all politicians as an answer, putting the nation’s welfare above partisan and individual gain. Such co-operation may give way to a more stable administration, at least until the next general election.
The 2021 Budget, scheduled for presentation in the Dewan Rakyat in early November, must be debated over objectively by parliamentarians from the governing bloc and the Opposition alike, and not precluded by a proclamation of Emergency.
Parliamentary budget debates are a key process of any democracy. They allow for checks and balances that produce the most favourable fiscal outcome; this is important especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic can be addressed by existing legal provisions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), without the need to declare an Emergency. Support for frontliners must be escalated whereas needy citizens should receive increased assistance as appropriate.
IKRAM reiterates that holding snap elections is not currently a suitable course of action to take in any given situation. It, in fact, will likely conjure more woes stemming from the pandemic.
The Sarawak state assembly will only be dissolved in June of next year. As such, focus should now be placed on managing the pandemic as has previously been proven effective.
Concurrently, the Election Commission must place priority on identifying the most apt SOPs and methods to adhere to should polls be necessary, drawing from lessons learned during the recent Sabah state election.
IKRAM firmly believes that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong will act with utmost wisdom and in line with the Constitution.
IKRAM also invites the people to continuously pray for Malaysia to be graced with strong leadership capable of steering the country through political conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic decline.
Dr Hj Mohd Parid Sheikh Ahmad
President
Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia
