KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, saying that Malaysia is peaceful and safe, advised the people not to be worried or be swayed by rumours that the country was in a state of emergency.

The prime minister said the country’s economic and security situations were under control and the people need not get overly excited about what was happening.

“We are not in a state of emergency. This government is a stable government, please believe it. The security of the country is still under control, and everything is under control. We know what is happening, and the country will remain peaceful and safe,” he told reporters after chairing the first meeting of the implementing authority of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) at his office at Parliament House, here.

Abdullah responded  after he was asked about the economic and security situation in the country.

Abdullah said the government would act if there were problems, including in the implementation of projects.

However, currently, everything was proceeding smoothly, including the government administration and the implementation of projects, he said.

Asked for his comment on the assumption that the ongoing police-military joint exercise was in anticipation of a state of emergency, Abdullah said it should not be seen as something which could spark anxiety in the people.

“I don’t think anybody should worry. I just want to say this. They (army and police) can have any joint exercise they want to. They want to coordinate. This is not to be treated and regarded as something that we need to worry about,” he said.— Bernama