The Star Online reported that the government is set to announce a state of emergency soon.

To stop the rise of COVID-19 cases

According to the report, the announcement could come as soon as Friday (23 October) night.

The report stated that the decision to announce a state of emergency is to step up the fight against the rising COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to put a stop to the political bickering we've been seeing these past couple of weeks.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muyhiddin Yassin has reportedly sought an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan, Pahang.

This came after Muyhiddin chaired a special meeting at the Dewan Rakyat earlier Friday, and the audience with the Agong is to communicate the decision made by the Cabinet to propose the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat.

The report also said that only political activities would be affected by the Emergency, if and when it is announced.

There would reportedly be no military precense or curfew, and economic activities will be allowed to carry on.

When a state of emergency is declared, the Parliament will be suspended. The executive branch of government would be granted power that can be wielded to ensure the safety of the country.

Malaysia has declared a state of emergency only once, which was during the 13 May 1969 racial riots.