KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is still the legitimate prime minister of Malaysia, according to Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun, who said Umno’s withdrawal of support for his government does not alter this fact.
In a statement today, Idrus said, currently, there is no clear evidence to show that the prime minister has lost the confidence of the majority of MPs in Parliament.
He noted that the statement issued by Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the wee hours this morning is merely a decision by one component party of a government coalition appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under Article 43 of the federal constitution.
Idrus said Article 43(2)(a) of the constitution stipulates that, whether or not a person enjoys the support of the majority of MPs must be determined by the lawmakers themselves and not via statements issued by a party or its leaders.
“As such, in legal terms, it is clear that the existing prime minister and his cabinet remain to carry out their federal executive powers.”
Idrus’ statement comes just hours after he and several other top government officials met Muhyiddin at his private residence here this morning.
Among those present were newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
It is believed that Muhyiddin had, among other things, sought clarification and legal opinions on his position as prime minister after Umno dropped its bombshell that it is withdrawing support for his government.
Umno had also this morning urged the Bersatu president to step down honourably and make way for an interim prime minister who will focus on putting Malaysia back on track amid the Covid-19 pandemic, prior to calling for a general election.
In a separate statement, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said all 18 MPs in the party will remain steadfast in supporting Muhyiddin as prime minister.
He said the party regrets any action that threatens the country’s political stability, particularly at a time when the government is attempting to address a health and economic crisis.
“PAS urges the public to be united in supporting the government’s efforts in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuring the success of the National Recovery Plan,” Hadi said. – The Vibes, July 8, 2021
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