KUALA LUMPUR – Following Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s live telecast to extend a bipartisan olive branch in his bid to stay in power, Datuk Seri Najib Razak did not miss the bandwagon of criticism.
In a series of Facebook posts, the former prime minister sarcastically said that it is only right for Muhyiddin to appoint more ministers or individuals with ministerial ranks as it is what the people want.
“Opposition leader to be given the status of a senior minister. That is what the people want. More ministers or people with ministerial ranks,” Najib quipped.
Earlier today, the embattled prime minister made a last-ditch appeal to opposition MPs for bipartisan support during the vote of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat in an effort to continue administrating the country.
In what appears to be a desperate attempt to cling to his position amid growing indication of a loss of majority support, Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, has promised to implement a slew of changes and policies.
This includes introducing a two-term limit for the prime minister and an anti-party-hopping law, benefits and remuneration for the opposition leader equal to a federal senior minister’s, and including opposition MPs in the discussion of any bill, including federal budgets.
In another post, Najib openly said this signifies the start of negotiations extended by Muhyiddin, but posed a question as to why it is being done with parties outside the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
“Looks like the negotiation has begun. But outside of the PN party? Eh?
“(I thought) he said it’s Covid-19 (pandemic)? If they do not agree? Would the Parliament sitting not resume?” he asked. – The Vibes, August 13, 2021
