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Malaysia in transition

Malaysia's king rejects COVID emergency in blow to Muhyiddin

Royal household sees 'no need' to give prime minister special powers

Malaysia's King Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin: The royal household says the king has confidence the government is already capable of handling the pandemic.   © Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR -- The Malaysian king has dismissed a request by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to declare an emergency over rising COVID-19 cases in the country -- a proposal critics saw as an attempt to buy time for the premier's embattled government.

King Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin rejected Muhyiddin's suggestion after convening a special Conference of Rulers, attended by the monarchs of eight states.

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