KUALA LUMPUR – Umno MPs have been advised to stay away from being dragged into the constitutional crisis between the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government and Istana Negara.
In a statement today, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, popularly known as Tok Mat, urged Umno MPs to stay at arm’s length of the developing crisis between the palace and the government.
“The government has clearly turned its back on the royal institution by committing unconstitutional acts.
“Their response to Istana Negara’s statement last night has further aggravated the situation,” he said.
The Istana Negara had issued a statement yesterday saying that the announcement on the emergency proclamation and its ordinances by Law Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan was “inaccurate” and “misled lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat”.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s subsequent response to the statement had been described as “rude” and “arrogant”.
“The statement has plunged Malaysia into a serious constitutional crisis, and the government’s attitude is clearly arrogant and immoral towards the king.
“Umno MPs cannot be in a position that is seen as refuting the palace’s statement, as Umno has pledged to obey and defend the royal institution.
“Therefore, I call on the wisdom of all Umno MPs to do the right thing and act in line with the party’s stand,” he said.
The Rantau assemblyman also called for Umno’s rank and file to stand behind the party’s push for Muhyiddin and Takiyuddin to resign from their posts.
Tok Mat opined that no excuse can be used to defend the government, as they have been clearly disobedient, reckless, and failed to implement the orders and advice of the king.
“Loyalty to the PN government cannot surpass the loyalty to the king, country, and party.
“Besides those who voted otherwise, the choice of Umno’s elected representatives is clear, at a time when the country and the people have lost all confidence in the PN government,” he said. – The Vibes, July 30, 2021
