KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Any decision on the duration of the nationwide Emergency will be based on the Cabinet’s advice to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said today.

The de facto law minister said the Emergency was proclaimed in accordance with the Federal Constitution for public health and safety to halt the spread of Covid-19.

He gave an assurance that the government will continue its focused approach to more effectively fight the spread of the viral disease.

He added that any decision regarding the Emergency will continue to be based on the law and will take into account all the latest circumstances surrounding public safety and the country’s socio-economic situation.

"Therefore, the question of whether the Emergency will end on that date or is continued at the discretion of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, should not arise,” he said in a statement.

The minister’s remarks follow speculation that the Emergency would be extended. It was proclaimed on January 11 and is supposed to expire on August 1.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah told Malay Mail earlier this week that there would be nothing stopping elections from happening once the Emergency is lifted.

Dr Noor Hisham also asserted that only Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the discretion to decide if the Emergency should continue.

"It’s up to the King to decide,” he told Malay Mail.