Apologise for ‘treacherous’ rejection of Agong’s advice, army vets tell Muhyiddin, Hadi

KUALA LUMPUR – A non-governmental organisation representing retired armed forces personnel, the National Patriots’ Association (Patriot), has demanded a public apology from Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang for being “treacherous” in going against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s advice to form a unity government.

In a statement, Patriot president Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji said Muhyiddin’s public stance on the matter undermines the nation’s constitutional monarchy and sets a “very, very dangerous precedent.”

Arshad said Patriot takes very serious offence towards politicians who went against the king’s attempt to ensure the new government can be formed in the best interest of the nation and the public.

“In particular, Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s outright and public rejection of His Majesty’s suggestion to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) towards a unity government is treacherous,” Arshad said.

“He has irresponsibly set a precedent and Patriot – whose members have served His Majesty as members of the nation’s security forces – will not tolerate this dangerous position that Muhyiddin has taken.”

Yesterday, Muhyiddin told reporters that PN had rejected the Agong’s proposal for a unity government composed of the coalition and PH. 

Muhyiddin said the king made the proposal during their audience, which was also attended by PH chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The suggestion by the Agong was reportedly due to insufficient signed documents showing support by MPs for either Muhyiddin or Anwar.

However, Muhyiddin claimed PN had obtained more than the necessary number of documents requested by Istana Negara.

In response, Arshad said Patriot stands by the king and honours the position taken by Anwar after the latter’s “wise and prudent” response to the Agong’s aspirations for the nation. 

“We sternly remind Muhyiddin and his compatriots that had it been PH that behaved so recklessly like PN, Anwar would immediately be called ‘penderhaka’ (traitor) and all hell would have broken loose on the streets,” Arshad said. 

“Patriot demands an immediate public apology from Muhyiddin (and the PAS president who accompanied him) for blurting to the media that they will not adhere to His Majesty’s advice.” – The Vibes, November 23, 2022