COMMENT | It is widely reported that the cabinet yesterday approved a decision for the prime minister to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to declare a state of emergency in the country, the details of which are not yet made known.

Full comments will therefore have to be reserved until after the necessary details are disclosed.

However, for a matter of such urgent and menacing import, preliminary comments cannot be postponed until after it may have become a fait accompli.

There is, of course, a need to effectively address the Covid-19 situation in the country. It is a health issue. It is not a security issue. There is no violence or threat to the security of our nation.

Covid-19 can be appropriately battled under existing laws...