Muhyiddin should resign as PM, don’t drag Malay rulers into political crisis: PKR

KUALA LUMPUR – Although a snap general election should not be considered an option during the Covid-19 pandemic, a direct change of government is doable and not unprecedented, PKR said today.

Its information chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said it is a better option than seeking a proclamation of emergency by dragging the royalty into the country’s political uncertainty.

As such, he said it is best that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin vacate his position and pass it to opposition leader and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Perikatan Nasional (PN) should not have brought the Yang di-Petuan Agong and the Malay rulers into this crisis of confidence. Stop trying to cling on to power, and just take the dignified move and resign.

“A change of prime minister and government during this Covid-19 pandemic is not something impossible. This is proven by the ‘Sheraton move’ (in February) that led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government,” he said in a statement today.

He added that Anwar currently enjoys the support of lawmakers and Malaysians, and the audience with the Agong two weeks ago to prove his numbers was done according to the constitution. 

Shamsul was commenting on the decision after the special cabinet meeting chaired by Muhyiddin on Friday to call for an emergency to address the Covid-19 situation.

Critics argued that the move was merely an attempt by Muhyiddin and his government to remain in power, amid growing speculation of confidence deficit in the Dewan Rakyat.

Shamsul said an emergency proclamation is irresponsible and does not receive the backing of most Malaysians, and is just a dictatorial move to remain at the helm.

“The PN government no longer has the people’s trust. The people and majority MPs in Parliament do not have confidence in Muhyiddin and his cabinet.

“This crisis must be managed according to the federal constitution,” he said, citing Article 43(4).

The article states that should the prime minister no longer enjoy the support of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat, he should resign from his position or advise the Agong to dissolve the House. – The Vibes, October 25, 2020