Deserted roads in Kuala Lumpur after a lockdown and state of emergency were imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19. Photo: Reuters Deserted roads in Kuala Lumpur after a lockdown and state of emergency were imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19. Photo: Reuters
Deserted roads in Kuala Lumpur after a lockdown and state of emergency were imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19. Photo: Reuters
Liew Chin Tong
Opinion

Opinion

Asian Angle by Liew Chin Tong

Malaysia’s two emergencies: why 2021’s freeze on democracy is not like the trouble of 1969

  • PM Muhyiddin now has unfettered powers after calling a state of emergency as Covid-19 cases surge, the first time a national one has been declared since racial riots in 1969
  • Critics say the move is that of an embattled leader trying to cling on to power, but there is hope: voters will not tolerate a return to authoritarian rule

Liew Chin Tong
Liew Chin Tong

Updated: 5:31pm, 16 Jan, 2021

Why you can trust SCMP
Deserted roads in Kuala Lumpur after a lockdown and state of emergency were imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19. Photo: Reuters Deserted roads in Kuala Lumpur after a lockdown and state of emergency were imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19. Photo: Reuters
Deserted roads in Kuala Lumpur after a lockdown and state of emergency were imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19. Photo: Reuters
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Liew Chin Tong

Liew Chin Tong

Liew Chin Tong was Malaysia's Deputy Defence Minister from July 2018 to February 2020. He is a member of the Democratic Action Party's Central Executive Committee.