KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin clarified that the state of emergency proclaimed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not a military coup and assured that curfew will not be enforced.
"Let me assure you that the civilian government will continue to function. It's not a military coup and curfew will not be enforced," he said in a special address aired live this morning.
He also announced that with the declaration of a state emergency until Aug 1, there would be no by-elections or state election or general election held within the period.
Muhyiddin said he was granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday to present advice from Cabinet ministers to declare a state of emergency in light of the current pandemic situation.
The prime minister added that Covid-19 cases were increasing and there was no sign of it letting up any time soon.
"The King is satisfied with reasons given to proclaim emergency to address the pandemic," he said.
A special committee would also be formed to monitor the situation during the emergency period and to make an assessment on when the state of emergency could be lifted.
Muhyiddin further stressed that he has no intention of preventing a general election from being held.
"Instead, I assure you once the special committee has agreed that the pandemic has improved and under control, the general election will be held," he said.
"The judiciary will continue to be the beacon of justice of the country and I will not interfere.
"For all the stakeholders monitoring what is happening in Malaysia, I emphasise Malaysia is open for business.
"I implore you to remain calm during the emergency period, as well as to all politicians, youths, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and all level of the society to work as one to fight the pandemic. Hopefully we can level the infection curve and ease the strain on the healthcare system," he said.
"I strongly warn against anyone who try to upset the government's efforts to fight the pandemic and improve the economy, action will be taken against them," Muhyiddin added.