KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s request for a nationwide emergency, which received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today, is a clear attempt by the prime minister to remain in power.
Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar questioned Muhyiddin’s legitimacy after he was left with the backing of just 110 MPs out of the current total of 220 following an Umno lawmaker’s withdrawal of support over the weekend, with more expected to follow suit.
“I feel that this (attempt to stay in power) is very clear, isn’t it?” Mahfuz told The Vibes, in reference to Umno’s bid to oust Muhyiddin and force a general election.
“But I also have to point out that his position as prime minister is on the line. We know that more Umno lawmakers will withdraw their support in the coming days, meaning he (Muhyiddin) will lose his majority.
“This raises the question of his legitimacy.”
Istana Negara earlier announced that Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has consented to a nationwide emergency, to be in place until August 1, to curb Covid-19.
This comes amid the increasing threat to Muhyiddin’s position, after Machang MP Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub pulled support for the leader on Saturday.
The Agong’s announcement also comes a day after Muhyiddin declared that the movement control order (MCO) will be reimposed in several states, with other states to be subjected to tighter movement restrictions as well.
Mahfuz said he does not dispute His Majesty’s wisdom in declaring an emergency, but pointed out that it only raises questions over Muhyiddin’s leadership.
The declaration, coming on the heels of the MCO announcement, only causes confusion among the people, he said.
“If Muhyiddin and the cabinet had decided on an emergency, they shouldn’t have announced the MCO.
“People will only be confused, and it will only create panic among the community.
“I am just perplexed how this can happen. Today just proves Muhyiddin’s weakness as a prime minister and his failure to govern Malaysia.” – The Vibes, January 12, 2021
