KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin must step down after losing the support as prime minister, claims Pakatan Harapan (PH) in refuting the Attorney-General’s (AG) claim that the former is still the legitimate leader.
In a statement, the PH presidential council pointed out that Muhyiddin was appointed as prime minister based on support letters issued by the heads of political parties that were presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on February 29, 2020.
PH said since Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had announced Umno’s withdrawal, the prime minister has hence lost the basic support of the Malay party, and subsequently the majority backing of Dewan Rakyat.
“Clearly, the Attorney-General is acting more like a Perikatan Nasional (PN) politician than in defending the rule of law,” it said in a statement today.
“As such, Muhyiddin must relinquish his position honourable as he has lost the support and legitimacy as prime minister.”
Earlier today, AG Tan Sri Idrus Harun had said that Muhyiddin is still the legitimate prime minister, claiming Umno's withdrawal does not alter this fact.
In a statement following a meeting with Muhyiddin, Idrus pointed out that whether or not a person enjoys the support of the majority of MPs, it must be determined by the lawmakers themselves and not via statements issued by a party or its leaders.
Despite its call for Muhyiddin’s resignation, PH presidential council believes now is not a good time for a snap election to be held considering the high number of Covid-19 cases and overwhelmed public health infrastructure.
It said the opposition coalition will instead continue to focus on efforts to address issues faced by the public, a more efficient pandemic crisis management and vaccination programme, as well as measures to revive the economy.
“We need to provide greater emphasis on efforts to save lives and the people's economy following the worsening Covid-19 crisis, as opposed to continuing politicking for the sake of positions and rewards.” – The Vibes, July 8, 2021
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