KUALA LUMPUR – Embattled Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin this evening promised to call the 15th general election by end-July next year.
In a live broadcast, he implied the possibility that he has lost his majority, seeing that he requested the backing of opposition MPs ahead of a confidence vote on his leadership in the Dewan Rakyat next month.
“I have no intention to continue holding on to power.
“Under these circumstances, it is better for the mandate to be returned to the public to choose a new government when the time is appropriate.
“Therefore, depending on the pandemic situation, I am making a promise that GE15 will be held by the end of July next year.”
He also reversed his decision to delay the implementation of Undi18, or the lowered voting age, without waiting for automatic registration, saying it is “taking time”.
To achieve this, said Muhyiddin, an amendment bill on the federal constitution will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.
He called on the opposition to commit to a bipartisan relationship in Parliament to see to the bill’s passage.
The Bersatu president made a last-ditch appeal for bipartisan support during the confidence vote.
If the government receives two-thirds support in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, Muhyiddin said he will introduce a two-term limit for the prime minister and a law against party-hopping.
Another carrot was offered to opposition leaders: privileges similar to those of senior ministers.
Muhyiddin also promised to bring matters on the confidence and supply bill for a discussion with all lawmakers before it is tabled. – The Vibes, August 13, 2021
