Malaysia’s Coronavirus Lockdown Is Not A Coup, Prime Minister Says

King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah’s suspended the national parliament and state legislatures for an unspecified period of time under the nation’s new virus restrictions.

Vincent Thian / AP

Malaysia’s king approved a coronavirus emergency declaration, delaying the country’s general election and giving an extended reprieve to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah’s declaration suspended the national parliament and state legislatures for an unspecified period of time. No elections can be held during the emergency either, which could last until Aug. 1.

But the move should not be considered a “military coup,” Muhyiddin said during a televised speech, adding that his civilian government will remain in charge during the emergency, according to news reports.