Muhyiddin resigns in emotionally charged address

KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has officially confirmed his resignation as prime minister this afternoon.

In a special televised address to the nation from the Prime Minister’s Office in Perdana Putra, Putrajaya, Muhyiddin made the announcement after chairing his final cabinet meeting as prime minister and a brief audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today.

In an emotionally charged speech, Muhyiddin said he is tendering the resignation in line with Article 43(4) of the federal constitution.

Muhyiddin conceded that he had lost the majority confidence of parliamentarians after 15 Umno MPs withdrew their support for him.

He also said attempts to gain bipartisan cooperation had failed after the opposition had rejected his offers.

“Therefore, it is clear that I have lost the confidence,” he said.

“If the prime minister no longer commands the majority in the Dewan Rakyat, then they must dissolve the cabinet. This is the constitution, and I must comply.

I’ve tried to come up with ideas to save this administration, if only until the pandemic ends. But they didn’t work, because there are some who would rather snatch power than prioritise the lives of the people.”

With the resignation, Muhyiddin becomes the nation’s shortest-serving prime minister, having only been in office for 17 months since March last year.

Muhyiddin, who appeared sombre throughout the address, also took a jibe at the Umno MPs who had plotted against him, especially those facing corruption charges and trials.

He also apologised to the country for what he believed are his shortcomings.

“I could have taken the easy route and sacrificed my principles to remain prime minister. But that is not my choice. I will not compromise with kleptocrats or interfere with the freedom of the judiciary just to stay in power,” he said. 

“I ask for your forgiveness for all my faults and weaknesses while I was the prime minister. My cabinet and I have tried our best to save lives and protect the future during this time of crisis.” 

Muhyiddin also said that he hopes a new government will be formed soon so that it can continue his administration’s efforts to tackle Covid-19, adding that this is important as the country is expected to reach herd immunity by October.

He said the government has ordered some 87 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, with an allocation of RM4.36 billion.

“To all my fellow Malaysians, my cabinet has ordered more than enough vaccines for you. I hope the new government that takes over the administration of the country will take care of all of you, because that is all I care about. I care for you all the time,” he said.

Muhyiddin also paid tribute to the civil service and frontliners at the forefront of the country Covid-19 battle, as well as his political backers and his family.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank all our frontliners, once again, who have been working hard day and night to battle the pandemic. I also thank all civil servants who have been working well with me during the PN administration,” he said.  

“Of course, I have to thank my beloved wife and family, who have been my source of inspiration from the beginning until now. Also, thank you to Bersatu leaders and parties for supporting me until this moment.” – The Vibes, August 16, 2021