King Throws a Royal Exasperated Finger at the Govt
What went wrong?
King Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, Malaysia’s monarch, was shocked to find out the Cabinet had decided to scrap emergency laws without a proper parliamentary vote.
The emergency ordinances were put in place to help fight COVID‑19 back in January. Over the weekend, the government announced they would be revoked, but the King says that decision didn’t get his blessing.
Why the King was up in arms
“I didn’t give a thumbs‑up,” the Sultan told the press. He felt the process was rushed, confusing Parliament and, frankly, tripping over the Constitution.
- He consented to the emergency police‑style measures but not to wipe them clean.
- The decision was made under the Minister of Law, Takiyuddin Hassan, who said the Cabinet agreed – but that was done “behind closed doors.”
- Without a parliamentary vote, the King’s reign on the matter was sidelined.
The politics of a shaky majority
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s slim majority is on thin ice.
- Umno (the big party) tugged its support away earlier in the month, leaving officials scrambling.
- Several Umno MPs keep backing the PM, while a senior figure, Tengku Razaleigh, told the Palace it was time to move to the empty seats.
Why it matters to Malaysians
With the state of emergency set to expire on August 1, emergency ordinances could linger for up to six months after that. The King’s complaint is that no proper debate or vote took place to short‑circuit that.
Last week’s big numbers
The nation has seen a record 17,405 COVID‑19 cases and 207 deaths for two consecutive days, showing the crisis is still raging.
Next steps — Waiting for the explanation
Minister Takiyuddin promised to explain the situation on Monday, August 2. However, opposition lawmakers insist the government was trying to dodge a tough vote, signaling a political showdown could be brewing.
Not your typical royal service announcement
Between royal statements, Parliament’s special sittings haven’t had real debate — just briefings and quick questions. The King had hoped for a full discussion before the emergency ended; the government’s postponement keeps the drama going.
In a nutshell, the King’s calls for constitutional respect got him as frustrated as most of us when a meeting is scheduled without proper notice. The country watches eagerly to see whether the government will heed the advice or keep rolling in secrecy.
