KUALA LUMPUR: The Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (PROHAM) has expressed deep concern over the grave situation of a potential declaration of a state of emergency in Malaysia.
It said there is a lot of confusing information on the possibility, which in turn is creating great insecurity as well as shaking domestic businesses and investment confidence.
"PROHAM is of the opinion that the existing laws on health safety and movement of people within districts, states and across countries are sufficient.
"We feel the effective role of the Health Ministry and government agencies must be further intensified.
"A stronger private sector, local communities and ordinary people support through clearer communications strategy is of utmost importance," it said in a joint statement, here today.
The joint statement was issued by PROHAM deputy chairperson Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria, its exco member Datuk Kuthubul Zaman and society secretary-general Khoo Ying Hooi.
They said in times of crisis, the support of all the political parties and leaders especially bi-partisan support through joint task-force action is imperative as well as the establishment of parliamentary oversight committee for a more effective governance and accountability.
"PROHAM is of the opinion that fundamental liberties, democracy and parliament should not be suspended in order to address the increase in Covid-19 cases".
In fact, they said the opposite must take place so that there is greater transparency of data, enhanced multi-stakeholder partnership and action in order to instill greater cooperation of all stakeholders in addressing not just a health pandemic which has caused great disruptions to livelihoods of ordinary people but also now leading to a political crisis of legitimacy.
"PROHAM calls on all Malaysians to be aware of the grave situation we are in and ensure that a holistic approach is necessary to overcome this pandemic and requires the support and not suppression of the people's role in addressing this pandemic.
"What we are facing is a health issue and not a security issue and hence the emergency sought by the Prime Minister under the name of Covid-19 is unwarranted," they said.