KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s desperate request for an emergency, which was consented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong effective January 11, proves that the prime minister has lost the backing of MPs, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The opposition leader told an online press conference today that he believes this to be the actual reason why Muhyiddin advised Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to declare an emergency and suspend Parliament.
“The government is unstable, his position is untenable, and he has lost the support of the majority of MPs.
“The announcement of the emergency and suspension of Parliament is evidence that the majority is now with the opposition.”
The PKR president was asked whether he believes Parliament’s suspension is meant to block challenges to Muhyiddin’s position as prime minister.
On January 12, Istana Negara said the Agong has consented to a nationwide emergency until August 1, following advice given by Muhyiddin a day earlier.
The prime minister lost his parliamentary majority after Umno’s Machang MP, Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub, withdrew his support on January 9, leaving Muhyiddin with the backing of only 110 of 220 MPs.
Jazlan’s Umno colleague, Padang Rengas lawmaker Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, pulled his support for the ruling Perikatan Nasional three days later.
Two federal seats are currently vacant following the deaths of their MPs.
Muhyiddin has maintained that the emergency is exclusively to address the Covid-19 pandemic, with elections not allowed to take place so as to prevent a spike in infections.
However, various quarters have argued that it is meant to prevent him from being ousted.
Anwar said it is particularly concerning that apart from emergency provisions under the federal constitution, the government has also failed to inform the public of its plans and policies during the emergency period.
He said many statements released by the administration do not reflect the situation on the ground, including those claiming that the economy is doing well and investments are on the rise.
“Issues like the loan moratorium and Employees Provident Fund withdrawals are still not addressed. Now, the ‘famous’ issue being talked about is the millions approved for the construction of three halls in Pagoh (Muhyiddin’s parliamentary constituency).
“It just shows that there is no awareness on what must be given priority. Can’t the government just focus on addressing our health issue first?” – The Vibes, January 20, 2021
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