KUALA LUMPUR: A group of lawmakers, activists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have formed a committee to gather public support to appeal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to end the state of emergency before the Aug 1 date set by the Perikatan Nasional government.
The committee, chaired by Amanah communications director Khalid Samad, has launched an online petition to campaign for public support and submit it to the King as soon as possible.
“So far, we have obtained several hundred signatures from individuals and NGOs,” he told reporters after launching the online petition dubbed as #TamatDarurat.
Khalid said the committee hoped to collect as many signatures as possible to try and submit it before Ramadan, which begins on April 13.
“I appeal to every Malaysian who loves this country to sign this petition through the website #tamatdarurat.com to help restore the political, economic and social situation in the country.
“Do not feel threatened when signing this petition. Each and every one of us has the right to voice out our opinion in accordance with the law.
“We must join forces to collectively show our strength to eventually take it to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
Khalid said all were welcome to join the committee regardless of political affiliation, adding that there were none from PN so far.
The committee now has 23 members, including Pejuang pro tem secretary-general Marzuki Yahya, DAP MP for Seputeh Teresa Kok and PKR MPs Maria Chin Abdullah (Petaling Jaya) and Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai).
Professionals in the committee include lawyers Thanussha Francis Xavier, a co-founder of political party MUDA, and lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali.- FMT