KUALA LUMPUR – PAS is once again calling on all leaders and the public to put the country’s main focus on managing the Covid-19 pandemic in a statement today that makes no mention of Umno’s announcement early this morning that it is leaving Perikatan Nasional.
Its deputy president, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, said full attention should be given to efforts to safeguard the lives and livelihood of the people, regardless of race and religion.
“PAS also calls on the public to support the implementation of the National Recovery Plan undertaken by the government.
“May Allah grant patience and strength to all leaders, political parties, non-governmental organisations and all Malaysians (to fight the coronavirus) and, eventually, put an end to the Covid-19 pandemic in our country,” he said in a statement today.
PAS also congratulated Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on his appointment as deputy prime minister and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein as senior minister leading security while retaining his portfolio as foreign minister.
Tuan Ibrahim also hoped that the appointments will help strengthen unity among parties that form the ruling PN government.
The country’s political scene saw yet another upheavel after Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi issued a statement early today announcing the party would withdraw its support for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin with immediate effect on grounds that the government has failed to fulfil the aspirations of the people, including in its handling of Covid-19.
He said the decision was made at a Supreme Council meeting held virtually last night that began at 8.30pm and lasted more than four hours.
He said Umno also demands that Muhyiddin step down honourably to enable a new prime minister to be appointed and that the new prime minister should focus on efforts to handle Covid-19 and return the mandate to the people after the country achieves herd immunity. – Bernama, July 8, 2021
