𝗨𝗣𝗞𝗢 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴’𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

by Wilfred Madius Tangau, Donald Mojuntin and Ewon Benedick

United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) thank and welcome the advice from the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong that Parliament can sit during the current state of Emergency. 

This shows that His Majesty is concerned and is well appraised on the importance to maintain the independent and responsibilities of the three (3) branches of government namely the executive, judiciary and legislature are functioning during this challenging time. 

We have seen that the executive is still functioning with the federal government and its cabinet. We have also seen that the judiciary has continued hearing court cases during this emergency. UPKO like many others have been calling to allow for Parliament to reconvene during this state of emergency. 

With the statement from His Majesty the King, we hope that parliament will be called soon as many issues and matters need to be addressed urgently. Likewise, the Sabah Legislative Assembly should also reconvene. 

UPKO remain with our stand that a snap general election should be avoided and that the federal government instead must make the effort to talk with the opposition and to focus on what is really important now that is ensuring stability and confidence in the country. 

This is achievable with a cross party agreement between the government and the opposition. Let us work together and a political ceasefire is possible with the Confidence and Supply Agreement (CSA). With such an understanding we would have a functioning and effective Parliament. 

The government with the support of the opposition under the CSA can bring political stability and with that we all can concentrate in improving the economy and the livelihood of the people. But all these are only possible if the federal government is sincere and genuine to have a cross-party collaboration with the opposition.