United States Vice President Mike Pence rejects using the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office.
File photo of President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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WASHINGTON: United States Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday (Jan 12) that he is opposed to invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office, after Trump's supporters laid siege to the U.S. Capitol last week.
In a letter late Tuesday to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Pence said the mechanism should not be used “as a means of punishment or usurpation” and reserved for cases of medical or mental incapacitation.
Pelosi has called on Pence to secure the majority of the Cabinet and votes to declare Trump unfit to serve.
"With just eight days left in the President's term, you and the Democratic Caucus are demanding that the Cabinet and I invoke the 25th Amendment," Pence wrote, referring to the process that would declare Trump unable to fulfil his duties and install Pence as acting president for the remainder of the term.
"I do not believe that such a course of action is in the best interest of our nation or consistent with our Constitution," he said, hours before the House was to vote on a measure calling on him to initiate the 25th Amendment process or risk an impeachment vote against Trump.
At least three Republicans, including a member of the House leadership, on Tuesday said they would vote to impeach Trump for urging supporters to march on the Capitol and "fight" shortly before the attack that led to the deaths of five people.
Pence told Pelosi the administration's energy was focused on ensuring an orderly transition, and appealed to her and other members of Congress to avoid actions that "would further divide and inflame the passions of the moment".
"Work with us to lower the temperature and unite our country as we prepare to inaugurate President-elect Joe Biden as the next President of the United States," Pence said.
Pence and Trump had their first conversation at the White House on Monday evening after days of silence following the riot and Trump's public rebuke of Pence for not seeking to block the congressional certification of Biden's Electoral College win.
Trump, who has sought unsuccessfully to overturn his Nov 3 election loss, had pressured Pence to intervene in the certification process, and some of Trump's supporters in the assault discussed assassinating Pence for being a traitor.
Pence referenced the strains in his letter to Pelosi.
"Last week, I did not yield to pressure to exert power beyond my constitutional authority to determine the outcome of the election, and I will not now yield to efforts in the House of Representatives to play political games at a time so serious in the life of our nation," he wrote.
Removal of a president under the 25th Amendment requires a declaration by the vice president and the majority of the president's Cabinet.
Pelosi has said Pence's failure to trigger that process would lead to a Trump impeachment vote on Wednesday. The vote would make him the first American president to be impeached twice.
While the previous three impeachments - those of Presidents Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Trump - took months before a final vote, including investigations and hearings, this time it will have only taken a week.
For now, the Republican-led Senate is not expected to hold a trial and vote on whether to convict Trump before Biden is sworn in Jan 20. Still, Democrats feel that action by the House would send an important message to the country.
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia reported a record 3,309 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday (Jan 12) ahead of a renewed shutdown to be imposed in several states from Wednesday.
The tally is the biggest daily rise since the pandemic was first detected in the country on Jan 25 last year.
The health ministry also announced four new deaths. Cumulatively, Malaysia has 141,533 Covid-19 cases and 559 deaths.
The latest update comes even as another minister tested positive for the virus, bringing the total to three within the last few days.
Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin found that he has Covid-19 on Tuesday morning after being tested for the virus the day before.
"Therefore, Datuk Seri Hamzah will be undergoing a quarantine period subject to Health Ministry's guidelines and its close monitoring," said a statement from the Home Ministry.
Two other ministers who sat next to Datuk Seri Mustapa at the Wednesday meeting, namely Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Redzuan Yusof and Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, have gone into quarantine.
Health Minister Adham Baba said on Tuesday those who are asymptomatic or showing only light symptoms will undergo treatment and quarantine at home. They will be "strictly monitored" by health workers.
The emergency order comes a day after Mr Muhyiddin announced that several states will be put under stringent movement controls starting on Wednesday until Jan 26 to curb the rising infections.
Five states - Melaka, Johor, Penang, Selangor and Sabah - and the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya will re-enter the movement control order (MCO), where social gatherings are banned and dine-ins are not allowed in eateries.
Only two people per household are allowed to go out and buy groceries, and they can travel only within a 10km radius from home.
The states of Pahang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan will be placed under the less-stringent conditional MCO, while Perlis and Sarawak will be placed under the recovery phase of the MCO.
Under the conditional MCO, most businesses are allowed to operate but religious, cultural, recreational, and sporting activities are banned. And the states under recovery MCO allow social gatherings and inter-state travels with some limitations such as safe distancing.
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's shock declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday (Jan 12) to deal with the worsening coronavirus pandemic could push the country into a political confrontation and threatens an economy struggling to find its footing.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has entered a state of emergency. It will last until Aug 1 or earlier depending on the state of coronavirus infections, a statement from the palace said.
The king’s proclamation on the state of emergency on Tuesday morning (Jan 12) came amid an alarming rise of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, with the national total surpassing 138,000 and the healthcare system at a breaking point.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin stressed in his live address on Tuesday morning that this state of emergency is not a military coup and no curfew will be enforced.
The prime minister said economic activities will continue to take place and people can continue to work while business, trade and industries can operate as usual, with adherence to standard operating procedures.
“To all the stakeholders keenly monitoring what is happening in Malaysia, I emphasise that Malaysia is open for business.
“In facing these challenging times, this period of emergency will give us much needed calm and stability, as well as enable us to focus on economic recovery and regeneration. We remain committed to good governance in these times and we have a robust and dynamic regulatory ecosystem,” Mr Muhyiddin said.
Here’s what we know so far:
WHAT IS A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN MALAYSIA'S CONTEXT?
Article 150(1) of the Constitution stipulates that if the Malaysian king is satisfied that a grave emergency exists, whereby the security, or the economic life, or public order in the federation or any part thereof is threatened, he may issue a proclamation of emergency.
The last time a nationwide state of emergency was invoked was in 1969 due to the May 13 riots. A curfew was declared and the parliamentary rule was later re-established in February 1971.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has presented a great threat to the economic life of the people, thus warranting a state of emergency, said Mr Muhyiddin in his Tuesday address.
During the period, the parliament and state legislative assemblies will not sit until a time decided by the king, he added.
Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah (right) granted an audience to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Nov 18, 2020. (Photo: Facebook/Istana Negara)
The prime minister assured the people that the state of emergency does not mean a military coup and there will not be a curfew.
The Cabinet and the state executive councils will continue to function, the prime minister added.
“I assure you that the administrative and public service machineries of the federal and state governments will not be affected by this declaration of emergency,” he added.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY?
To curb the spread of COVID-19, the king can proclaim several emergency ordinances on matters related to private hospital assets; temporary ownership of land, buildings or moveable properties of private hospitals; or to request to use the resources of private hospitals to treat patients, according to Mr Muhyiddin.
The government can also seek a more inclusive involvement from the private sector including private healthcare facilities to help ease the burden of government agencies, especially public hospitals, he added.
“Through this ordinance, assistance that can be obtained from the private sector covers human resources, expertise, facilities, assets, laboratories and utilities,” he said.
An ordinance can also be promulgated to allocate enforcement powers to the armed forces. In line with the proclamation of the state of emergency, border control will be tightened through empowering military personnel to arrest illegal immigrants and anyone who breaches national borders.
Additionally, the penalty for those who violate the laws and regulations related to the control of the COVID-19 pandemic can be increased by enacting an ordinance to amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988. This move could enhance the effectiveness of enforcement, Mr Muhyiddin said.
Ordinances aimed at combating economic sabotage, monopoly and excessive increase of prices of goods can also be proclaimed by the king, with stricter enforcement actions and heavier penalties to be imposed.
WILL THERE BE ELECTIONS?
General elections, state elections and by-elections will not be held during the emergency, Mr Muhyiddin said.
On some parties urging for a general election to be held, the prime minister said it is not his intention to not call for the general election.
The COVID-19 pandemic is the main issue stopping him from advising the king to dissolve the parliament and pave the way for the election, he said.
An independent special committee will be established under an ordinance to advise the king on whether a major emergency still occurs, in order to decide to continue the period of emergency or terminate the proclamation earlier than the date designated.
“I give a firm commitment that a general election will be held as soon as the independent special committee to be established certifies that the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided or fully recovered, and elections are safe to be held.
“When the time comes, it is up to the people to choose which government is qualified to govern this country and take care of your welfare,” he said.
File photo of a health worker at a hospital in Malaysia amid the COVID-19 outbreak. (Photo: Reuters/Lim Huey Teng)
Mr Muhyiddin said it is very important for politicians to set aside their differences and stand in solidarity with the people.
He also gave his assurance that the judiciary system will continue to function during the state of emergency.
“The judiciary will continue to be the beacon of justice in our country and I will never interfere in the business of the court,” he said.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE MCO'S PROTOCOLS SO FAR
Five states, including Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor and Sabah, and the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan will be placed under MCO again from Wednesday until Jan 26.
Interstate travel is banned across the country, while travelling between districts is not allowed for the states under MCO.
In his Monday address, Mr Muhyiddin said social activities such as wedding receptions, conferences, religious gatherings, seminars, courses and mass sports are not allowed.
Another six states - Pahang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan - will be placed under conditional MCO (CMCO), while Perlis and Sarawak are under the recovery MCO (RMCO).
For those under MCO, only two people per family are permitted to leave home to purchase daily necessities and their movement is limited to a 10km radius.
Eateries and hawker stalls are only allowed to open for takeaways in MCO states, while those in CMCO and RMCO states can operate with adherence to SOPs.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in Malaysia have imposed standard operating procedures to ensure physical distancing among students. (Photo: Bernama)
With the new school year slated to begin on Jan 20, the Education Ministry has announced that only students sitting for major school leaving examinations will return to schools in MCO areas.
For these states and territories, primary school pupils and those in Secondary 1 to 4 will continue learning from home.
Education institutions in CMCO and RMCO states will operate according to their respective academic calendars, the ministry added.
More implementation details are expected to be announced by the authorities.
WHAT ARE THE PROTOCOLS FOR BUSINESSES DURING MCO?
In a statement issued on Tuesday in response to the reinstatement of MCO, Senior Minister for Economy Mohamed Azmin Ali said these five states and three federal territories are the main drivers of the country’s economic activities and major contributors to gross domestic product (GDP).
In total, they account for 66.3 per cent of the total GDP, he said.
The government’s decision to allow five essential economic sectors - manufacturing, construction, services, trade and distribution sectors, as well as plantations and commodities - to operate in these places is to ensure the country’s economic recovery process, business sustainability and avoid high unemployment rates, he said.
This will also ensure that people continue to have access to basic and critical necessities, Mr Mohamed Azmin, who is also the Minister for International Trade and Industry, said.
Only 30 per cent of employees in the management group are allowed in the office, he added.
"The number of support staff and employees directly involved in the production line will be determined by their respective employers, taking into account strict compliance to the SOPs," the minister said.
The Work From Home (WFH) direction will also apply for work that does not require physical attendance.
"The government calls on the industry and the private sector to enhance the implementation of WFH as a new norm, in line with the advances of the latest technologies and online applications," the minister said.
The minister said the proactive action by the government will have a positive impact on the country's economic growth, local and foreign investment flows as well as the sustainability of small- and medium-size enterprises.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has entered a state of emergency. It will last until Aug 1 or earlier depending on the state of coronavirus infections, a statement from the palace said.
The king’s proclamation on the state of emergency on Tuesday morning (Jan 12) came amid an alarming rise of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, with the national total surpassing 138,000 and the healthcare system at a breaking point.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin stressed in his live address on Tuesday morning that this state of emergency is not a military coup and no curfew will be enforced.
The prime minister said economic activities will continue to take place and people can continue to work while business, trade and industries can operate as usual, with adherence to standard operating procedures.
“To all the stakeholders keenly monitoring what is happening in Malaysia, I emphasise that Malaysia is open for business.
“In facing these challenging times, this period of emergency will give us much needed calm and stability, as well as enable us to focus on economic recovery and regeneration. We remain committed to good governance in these times and we have a robust and dynamic regulatory ecosystem,” Mr Muhyiddin said.
Here’s what we know so far:
WHAT IS A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN MALAYSIA'S CONTEXT?
Article 150(1) of the Constitution stipulates that if the Malaysian king is satisfied that a grave emergency exists, whereby the security, or the economic life, or public order in the federation or any part thereof is threatened, he may issue a proclamation of emergency.
The last time a nationwide state of emergency was invoked was in 1969 due to the May 13 riots. A curfew was declared and the parliamentary rule was later re-established in February 1971.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has presented a great threat to the economic life of the people, thus warranting a state of emergency, said Mr Muhyiddin in his Tuesday address.
During the period, the parliament and state legislative assemblies will not sit until a time decided by the king, he added.
Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah (right) granted an audience to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Nov 18, 2020. (Photo: Facebook/Istana Negara)
The prime minister assured the people that the state of emergency does not mean a military coup and there will not be a curfew.
The Cabinet and the state executive councils will continue to function, the prime minister added.
“I assure you that the administrative and public service machineries of the federal and state governments will not be affected by this declaration of emergency,” he added.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY?
To curb the spread of COVID-19, the king can proclaim several emergency ordinances on matters related to private hospital assets; temporary ownership of land, buildings or moveable properties of private hospitals; or to request to use the resources of private hospitals to treat patients, according to Mr Muhyiddin.
The government can also seek a more inclusive involvement from the private sector including private healthcare facilities to help ease the burden of government agencies, especially public hospitals, he added.
“Through this ordinance, assistance that can be obtained from the private sector covers human resources, expertise, facilities, assets, laboratories and utilities,” he said.
An ordinance can also be promulgated to allocate enforcement powers to the armed forces. In line with the proclamation of the state of emergency, border control will be tightened through empowering military personnel to arrest illegal immigrants and anyone who breaches national borders.
Additionally, the penalty for those who violate the laws and regulations related to the control of the COVID-19 pandemic can be increased by enacting an ordinance to amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988. This move could enhance the effectiveness of enforcement, Mr Muhyiddin said.
Ordinances aimed at combating economic sabotage, monopoly and excessive increase of prices of goods can also be proclaimed by the king, with stricter enforcement actions and heavier penalties to be imposed.
WILL THERE BE ELECTIONS?
General election, state election and by-election will not be held during the emergency, Mr Muhyiddin said.
On some parties urging for a general election to be held, the prime minister said it is not his intention to not call for the general election.
The COVID-19 pandemic is the main issue stopping him from advising the king to dissolve the parliament and pave the way for the election, he said.
An independent special committee will be established under an ordinance to advise the king on whether a major emergency still occurs, in order to decide to continue the period of emergency or terminate the proclamation earlier than the date designated.
“I give a firm commitment that a general election will be held as soon as the independent special committee to be established certifies that the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided or fully recovered, and elections are safe to be held.
“When the time comes, it is up to the people to choose which government is qualified to govern this country and take care of your welfare,” he said.
File photo of a health worker at a hospital in Malaysia amid the COVID-19 outbreak. (Photo: Reuters/Lim Huey Teng)
Mr Myhyiddin said it is very important for politicians to set aside their differences and stand in solidarity with the people.
He also gave his assurance that the judiciary system will continue to function during the state of emergency.
“The judiciary will continue to be the beacon of justice in our country and I will never interfere in the business of the court,” he said.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE MCO'S PROTOCOLS SO FAR
Five states, including Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor and Sabah, and the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan will be placed under MCO again from Wednesday until Jan 26.
Interstate travel is banned across the country, while travelling between districts is not allowed for the states under MCO.
In his Monday address, Mr Muhyiddin said social activities such as wedding receptions, conferences, religious gatherings, seminars, courses and mass sports are not allowed.
Another six states - Pahang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan - will be placed under conditional MCO (CMCO), while Perlis and Sarawak are under the recovery MCO (RMCO).
For those under MCO, only two people per family are permitted to leave home to purchase daily necessities and their movement is limited to a 10km radius.
Eateries and hawker stalls are only allowed to open for takeaways in MCO states, while those in CMCO and RMCO states can operate with adherence to SOPs.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in Malaysia have imposed standard operating procedures to ensure physical distancing among students. (Photo: Bernama)
With new school year slated to begin on Jan 20, the Education Ministry has announced that only students sitting for major school leaving examinations will return to schools in MCO areas.
For these states and territories, primary school pupils and those in Secondary 1 to 4 will continue learning from home.
Education institutions in CMCO and RMCO states will operate according to their respective academic calendars, the ministry added.
More implementation details are expected to be announced by the authorities.
WHAT ARE THE PROTOCOLS FOR BUSINESSES DURING MCO?
In a statement issued on Tuesday in response to the reinstatement of MCO, Senior Minister for Economy Mohamed Azmin Ali said these five states and three federal territories are the main drivers of the country’s economic activities and major contributors to gross domestic product (GDP).
In total, they account for 66.3 per cent of the total GDP, he said.
The government’s decision to allow five essential economic sectors - manufacturing, construction, services, trade and distribution sectors, as well as plantations and commodities - to operate in these places is to ensure the country’s economic recovery process, business sustainability and avoid high unemployment rates, he said.
This will also ensure that people continue to have access to basic and critical necessities, Mr Mohamed Azmin, who is also the Minister for International Trade and Industry, said.
Only 30 per cent of employees in the management group are allowed in the office, he added.
"The number of support staff and employees directly involved in the production line will be determined by their respective employers, taking into account strict compliance to the SOPs," the minister said.
The Work From Home (WFM) direction will also apply for work that does not require physical attendance.
"The government calls on the industry and the private sector to enhance the implementation of WFH as a new norm, in line with the advances of the latest technologies and online applications," the minister said.
The minister said the proactive action by the government will have a positive impact on the country's economic growth, local and foreign investment flows as well as the sustainability of small- and medium-size enterprises.
