Also Read | How plant meat is coming of age in IndiaIt was not immediately clear how the emergency would impact day to day activities, but the constitution allows for parliament to be suspended during that period - which could for now put an end to political uncertainties faced by Muhyiddin.Malaysia's benchmark share index fell as much as 1.3% after the emergency announcement.The premier has been in a precarious position since coming to power in March 2020 due to a razor thin majority in parliament.
Some ruling coalition partners have been calling for him to step down and call for early elections.The palace said Muhyiddin requested the emergency as a proactive measure to curb COVID-19.The emergency will last until Aug.