KUALA LUMPUR – Any individual with morals, integrity and credibility would have relinquished the prime minister’s post once it became apparent that they no longer enjoy majority support in Parliament, while the nation lurches from multiple crises.
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this in a scathing attack against Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his government following their latest manoeuvre to suspend Monday’s Dewan Rakyat sitting, amid increased uncertainty over his legitimacy.
Speaking live via his Facebook account, the PKR president said he notes claims that the opposition were themselves concerned purely with taking control of Putrajaya by usurping the ruling coalition.
However, he said the problems faced by the government today and the criticisms levelled at it, is from its own failure to address the issues concerning the rakyat, including its management of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“When we talk about democracy, they are afraid to even have Parliament. The current sitting (was called) because they were forced to,” he said.
“They are refusing to vote in Parliament because they are afraid they will lose. Not just that, they know for certain their numbers (support for prime minister) have reduced.
“Supposedly, anyone with moral, integrity and credibility should step down. Instead, they are fighting against everyone; doctors, the youth, and even the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”
This is in reference to the #HartalDoktorKontrak strike by contract health workers recently over unfair treatment, the #Lawan demonstration earlier today, and the brewing constitutional crisis between the government and Istana Negara.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong had on Thursday issued a stern rebuke to the government over its decision to announce the revocation of emergency ordinances without royal consent, claiming the administration had misled Parliament and disrespected the monarch.
Dewan Rakyat secretary Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin had earlier today announced that the final day of the special sitting on Monday has been postponed to a later date, following an order issued by Muhyiddin, citing Covid-19.
Anwar said the opposition had already anticipated the suspension of Monday’s sitting, after a meeting with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun on Thursday.
“He (Azhar) was beating around the bush as usual, talking about the health director-general, and finally (said) it was the prime minister’s decision. The excuse given is because Covid-19 cases have increased.”
A statement issued by Pakatan Harapan earlier today urged the government not to suspend proceedings by using the excuse of a Covid-19 outbreak in Parliament, which was issued about the same time as Nizam Mydin’s statement.
“Cases have been over 17,000 for days, there’s nothing to be surprised about. We (MPs) have been adhering to all rules and restrictions in the Dewan. But clearly, the prime minister does not want Parliament to sit.” – The Vibes, July 31, 2021
