KUALA LUMPUR – Speculation is rife that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Monday, with cabinet members’ aides purportedly “packing up” at their respective offices in Putrajaya today.
It is understood that officers have begun clearing their belongings and vacating offices following an emergency meeting of ministers at Muhyiddin’s private residence in Bukit Damansara here this afternoon.
This has fuelled talk that the leader may be submitting his resignation, and the likelihood that a replacement will be chosen from within the current cabinet or among veteran MPs. However, many ministers have denied that this will happen.
Sinar Harian reported one ministerial official as saying that he has started packing things up a few weeks ago, even before the Umno Supreme Council agreed to withdraw the party’s support for Muhyiddin and his Perikatan Nasional administration.
“I have been packing my things up even before Umno pulled out. Now, only a few things are left in the office,” the officer was quoted as saying.
Another official told the Malay daily that he is in the midst of packing up, but refused to comment further.
Several cabinet members were seen exiting Muhyiddin’s house after the meet.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan was seen leaving in a grey Proton X70 at about 6.40pm. The MIC deputy president, who is also Tapah MP, waved at members of the media, but did not stop for comment.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof, who is Bersatu’s Alor Gajah MP, left at about 7.20pm.
Newly minted special adviser to the prime minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, had briefly told reporters that the meeting concerned party business, but did not elaborate further. He is Bersatu’s Tambun MP.
Other cabinet members seen leaving were International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun.
Faizal said a statement will be issued later today.
Muhyiddin had yesterday made a last plea to remain in power, urging opposition lawmakers to lend him support in Parliament. He announced a slew of apparent reforms, enticing the opposition to agree to a bipartisan arrangement.
However, both Umno and Pakatan Harapan have officially criticised him over the matter.
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi accused Muhyiddin of trying to usurp the power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in determining the appointment of the prime minister.
The Bagan Datuk MP said Umno will not consider any offer from someone who has no legitimacy, let alone a person who is desperate enough to offer “bribes” to prolong his political career.
The PH presidential council also slammed Muhyiddin for blatantly offering bribes during a live telecast in front of the whole nation.
“We are of the view that Muhyiddin’s special address is an open acknowledgement that he has lost the majority support of Dewan Rakyat MPs.
According to Article 43(4) of the federal constitution, he must resign.
“Moreover, when he said ‘no other MP can prove that he has majority support’, he turned his back on the function and power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the head of state as stipulated in the federal constitution, particularly Article 43(2)(a).”
The joint statement was issued by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng. – The Vibes, August 14, 2021
