No question of quitting, I still have majority support, says PM

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is not quitting despite the pressure by Umno and other opposition parties for him to do so. He said today that the issue of him resigning does not arise as he still enjoys sufficient support in the Dewan Rakyat.

(FMT) – Surrounded by a phalanx of ministers including Umno’s deputy prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Muhyiddin said in a televised address that his government will table a motion of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat in September to test his majority.

Muhyiddin said yesterday that he received a letter from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong notifying him that eight Umno MPs had written to the Dewan Rakyat speaker notifying him that they have withdrawn support for him as prime minister.

The King, Muhyiddin said, cited two provisions in the Federal Constitution, requiring the PM to resign if he no longer enjoyed majority support and for His Majesty to appoint an MP as prime minister who he believes enjoys majority support.

“With that, I was summoned for an audience with the King at 11am today.

“In the audience, I have informed the King that I have received statutory declarations from MPs that convinced me I still enjoy majority support at this time.

“With that, my resignation under Article 43(4) does not arise.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRyGTsPW6X8

Muhyiddin said he was aware that his position as prime minister has always been questioned so he informed the King that he will determine the legitimacy of his position in Parliament.

As such, he said, a motion of confidence would be tabled when the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes in September.

“With this, my position as PM and the status of the Perikatan Nasional administration as the government of the day will be determined in line with the law and the Federal Constitution.

“Thank God, the King has consented to my proposal,” said Muhyiddin, adding the government and its machinery would continue functioning and remained focused on managing the Covid-19 pandemic.