[UPDATED] Bersatu top guns’ meet ends as rumours of PM quitting roil

KUALA LUMPUR – Members of the Bersatu top leadership gathered for a special meeting at the Perikatan Nasional headquarters at the Publika shopping square here this morning amid rumours that president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will resign as prime minister.

According to Bernama TV, Bersatu deputy president and special adviser to the prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu arrived at 9.05am, while Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin have been there since 8.50am.

Other leaders seen arriving before 9am are Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mansor Othman.

Muhyiddin reportedly arrived at 9.15am.

Independent MP Datuk Xavier Jayakumar was also spotted entering the building, as well as Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof and Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Edmund Santhara Kumar Ramanaidu.

Muhyiddin was seen back at his private residence after 11am, while PN election director Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan were spotted leaving the residence before 1pm.

After nearly 2.5 hours, many of the politicians made their way out of the PN headquarters.

Redzuan told the waiting press that certain irresponsible quarters are putting their personal needs ahead of the nation’s well-being.

He said the PN government is subservient to the federal constitution.

“We are subservient to the constitution. If they withdraw their support for reasons of self-interest, we need to manage things properly.

“It now depends on the Agong to ensure the people and country are led by a concerned government.”

Asked whether there will be any special announcements tomorrow, he said: “God willing, there will be an announcement (by Muhyiddin) tomorrow. Whatever it is, let’s just wait for tomorrow.”

Faizal remained tight-lipped, only saying the leaders attended a Bersatu meeting.

The gathering follows a slew of meetings yesterday at the beleaguered Muhyiddin’s private residence in Bukit Damansara here.

Speculation is rife that he has been granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong tomorrow, with cabinet members’ aides purportedly “packing up” their belongings at their offices in Putrajaya yesterday.

It is understood that they began vacating their offices following an emergency meeting of ministers the same day.

This has fuelled talk that Muhyiddin may be submitting his resignation, and the likelihood that a replacement will be chosen from within the cabinet or among veteran MPs. However, many ministers have denied that this will happen.

Timbalan Presiden Bersatu merangkap Penasihat Khas Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu tiba di Publika jam 9.05 pagi pic.twitter.com/XK8bBZhB3u

— BERNAMA TV ?? (@BernamaTV) August 15, 2021

Muhyiddin on Friday made a last-ditch 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, Umno and Pakatan Harapan have officially criticised him over the “bribes” offered on national television. – The Vibes, August 15, 2021