[UPDATED] Muhyiddin hints PN to remain as opposition, congratulates Anwar as PM

KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has hinted that his coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN) will remain as the opposition and is not likely to be part of the unity government led by Pakatan Harapan (PH). 

This is after he affirmed that PN will play a check and balance role in Parliament in its bid to voice the people’s concerns, in line with the principle of parliamentary democracy. 

“Moving forward, PN will continue its struggle for the sake of the people’s welfare and the country’s wellbeing,” he said in brief statement today. 

Muhyiddin also congratulated PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over his appointment by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister.

His remarks on playing a check and balance role, however, appear out of sync with PN component PAS, which said earlier today that the party will discuss Anwar’s offer to join his unity government with other PN coalition members.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, in a statement, had also said that his party will survey the public’s and its voters’ views to gather their readiness for such cooperation.

In his first press conference as prime minister yesterday, Anwar said he was prepared to accept parties like PN to be part of the unity government that was proposed by the king.

He was sworn in as the country’s 10th prime minister yesterday after days of political impasse, with none of the major coalitions securing the necessary support of 112 MPs to form the government.

PH won 82 seats, PN 73, and Barisan Nasional (BN) 30. Smaller coalitions Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah won 23 and six respectively, while Warisan won three.

Muhyiddin had previously disclosed to the media that during an audience with the Agong on Tuesday, His Majesty had proposed the idea of a unity government.

However, the Bersatu president said he rejected the suggestion as PN was not willing to work with PH, and insisted that he had the support of 115 MPs, including some from BN, to be named prime minister. 

Yesterday, Muhyiddin also challenged Anwar to prove his support, insisting that PN still had statutory declarations from 115 MPs. 

Responding to this, Anwar in his first press conference as prime minister last night said he would convene Parliament on December 19, with a vote of confidence as the first order of business. – The Vibes, November 25, 2022