What does Mahathir mean by Malaysia being ruled by decree?

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Mahathir Describes Perikatan Nasional Administration as a Dictatorship Ruled by Decree

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has characterised the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration as a dictatorship operating by decree, asserting that the country's governance has moved away from democratic principles. He contends that democracy cannot function without the functioning of Parliament, which serves as the conduit for the people's voice. The suspension of Parliament and the implementation of Emergency rule, in his view, were primarily political manoeuvres by a government seeking to retain power, rather than measures solely aimed at combating the pandemic.
Undermining Parliamentary Sovereignty

Mahathir argues that the current governance model bypasses the essential role of Parliament, which is fundamental to a functioning democracy. He stated that the voice of the people is expressed through Parliament, and its closure prevents this essential democratic process. This situation leads him to conclude that the country is now ruled by decree, a characteristic of a dictatorship rather than a representative government.
Questionable Legality of Emergency Declaration

A significant point of contention for Mahathir is the legality of the Emergency declaration itself. He asserts that the declaration did not adhere to established legal procedures because it was not presented before Parliament for deliberation. According to his interpretation, this omission renders the declaration illegal, thereby undermining the constitutional framework.
Emergency Ordinances Superseding the Constitution

Furthermore, Mahathir observes that the actions of the Prime Minister suggest that the Emergency Ordinances have been elevated above the Constitution. He notes that provisions within the ordinances allow the government and Cabinet to continue exercising powers under the constitution, but crucially, any actions or laws conflicting with existing legislation are superseded by the ordinance. This implies a potential shift in the hierarchy of legal authority, where Emergency provisions could potentially override constitutional principles.

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What does Mahathir mean by Malaysia being ruled by decree?

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