KUALA LUMPUR – PKR has labelled moves by certain lawmakers to get statutory declarations (SDs) from their peers by claiming to have received royal endorsements as a “disgusting” attempt at a power grab.
In a statement, the party said it is concerned to learn of rumours that several MPs, who do not hold leadership posts in their parties, are attempting to gain high positions in the federal government.
Communications chief Fahmi Fadzil said PKR is also made to understand that the parliamentarians involved are soliciting the said SDs by claiming they have received the “blessings” of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
As a country that practises the principles of a constitutional monarchy, we believe these claims of receiving the ‘blessings’ of His Majesty are manifestly untrue, and a disgusting attempt at securing positions and profits for a small faction at a time of a national crisis.
“The party holds the position that the name of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong should not be used as a trick to gain the support of other MPs, what more, when that support will do absolutely nothing to resolve the problem of a rudderless leadership, which the nation is facing right now.”
The Lembah Pantai MP called it a “desperate” act that must be wholly rejected by the people.
“The focus right now must be on revitalising the economy and defending the rakyat, who have been so affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Earlier today, The Vibes reported that the current political goings-on appear to be a free-for-all in the race for the country’s leadership.
Following the Agong’s audience with political party leaders to discuss the reconvening of Parliament and the nation’s failure to contain the pandemic, it may appear to some that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s days as prime minister are numbered.
The rumour mill has also gone into overdrive after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s suggestion for a National Operations Council, which many believe is an attempt to see the emergency that is supposed to end in August being prolonged indefinitely.
Sources said Umno MPs are being approached to vouch for Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein as the candidate for the deputy prime minister’s post.
The party’s members were told that Muhyiddin will step down in the months ahead, allowing Hishammuddin to take over as the country’s ninth prime minister, while International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali is touted to become deputy prime minister.
It is learnt that party members, as well as several non-Umno leaders, are being told that the Agong has consented to this proposal.
“However, we know this is not accurate, as His Majesty has yet to take a position on this. Moreover, he has not yet finished meeting all political party leaders,” said a high-placed source.
Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah is meeting Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi tomorrow at 10am.
Hishammuddin has yet to respond to queries. – The Vibes, June 10, 2021
