LETTER: I did not want to comment earlier simply because all the constitutional and legal experts, politicians, activists, NGOs, etc., were giving their considered opinions on the request by the government for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to agree to a national declaration of Emergency.
After His Majesty has rendered his decision in consultation with his fellow rulers, I would like to state that to me personally, a former government servant as Malaysia's first local Chief of Navy and having served under all our previous emergencies since our nation's independence, it appeared as if the government's move was purely a political expedient.
Every Emergency (Communist Terrorism, Indonesian Confrontation and May 13 racial disturbances) declared in the past was because our national security was threatened.
Our National Security Council (NSC) is operational and meets daily to assess the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country and advises the government on steps to take in collaboration with health and other ministries to mitigate the spike in new cases, etc.
NSC has the powers to order lock-downs, impose curfews, etc. in badly affected areas with the concurrence of the government. Hence, an Emergency Rule was uncalled for.
I salute His Majesty and his fellow Rulers to have disagreed with the proposal for a national Emergency which clearly demonstrates that our constitution and democracy prevail over political intrigues.
I sincerely hope that all political parties on both sides of the political divide heed his Majesty's advice.
REAR ADMIRAL TAN SRI K THANABALASINGAM (RTD)
Malaysian Chief of Navy 1967-1976
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times