Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says government misled king over coronavirus state of emergency

Anwar accused PM Muhyiddin Yassin and the government of seeking the emergency declaration in order to cling to power

Muhyiddin has grappled with a razor-thin parliamentary majority and infighting in his coalition since becoming premier in March

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Malaysia opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:37pm, 14 Jan 2021Updated: 5:40pm, 14 Jan 2021

Malaysia’s opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday said he would submit an appeal to the king to end a state of emergency imposed to fight the coronavirus, which he described as a move by the prime minister to cling to power.

Malaysia’s King Al-Sultan Abdullah on Tuesday declared a national state of emergency to curb the spread of the virus and suspended parliament, which the opposition said was Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s ploy to retain control amid a power struggle.

In a letter sent to federal lawmakers seeking their support, Anwar accused Muhyiddin and the government of misleading the king when presenting their proposal for an emergency declaration, as provisions under existing laws were sufficient to contain the spread.

“The prime minister is more focused on efforts to cling to power,” Anwar said in the letter, which was shared with media by his office.

The prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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