Umno supreme council leader Mohd Razlan Rafii has taken issue with the warning by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin during his speech on the proclamation of emergency.

"Looking at the closing of the prime minister's speech, where he warned people not to disrupt (the fight against Covid-19 and the economy), it goes against human rights and freedom of speech," he said.

Razlan said Muhyiddin's warning could be subjectively interpreted and abused.

"It is subjective. If they feel that something threatens the government, they could arrest them," he added.

Muhyiddin, in his speech, assured that the emergency is not a military coup and a civilian government will remain.

However, he also noted that there had been pressure on him to hold a snap general election during the Covid-19 pandemic, in a veiled reference to certain factions within Umno.

Muhyiddin said he would not comply until the pandemic is under control. He also warned of "stern action" against those who undermine the government's efforts to combat the pandemic.

"I hereby issue a strong warning to anyone who tries to disrupt the government's efforts to manage the Covid-19 pandemic and the country's economy.

"Stern action will be taken in the interest of the rakyat's welfare and national security," he said, but the prime minister did not detail what form of action would be taken.

Razlan said the powers granted under a state of emergency creates a climate of fear.

"The powers of the prime minister are extremely wide," he pointed out.

He suggested that Muhyiddin could hand over the reins to another candidate who commands majority support in the Dewan Rakyat, without calling for an election.

He said this would achieve the same goal of not having a snap election during the pandemic.

At present, Muhyiddin commands the support of 109 out of 220 MPs after Umno's Machang MP Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub and Padang Rengas MP Nazri Aziz withdrew their backing.

Under the emergency, Parliament is suspended and no election will be held.

However, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who consented to Muhyiddin's request for an emergency, also set an expiry date for the emergency - Aug 1.

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