KUALA LUMPUR – In his last video address to civil servants in the Prime Minister’s Department, caretaker prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin expressed the belief that he has done what he can to save lives and livelihoods in the country.
Acknowledging that he is the nation’s shortest-serving prime minister, Muhyiddin asserted his service was not in vain and remedied a nation caught in the pandemic.
“I did what I could to save lives, and ensure the nation had food on the table. I think God brought me here for that. At the end of this journey, we see the efforts of what we have done so far.”
He also acknowledged hardships faced by citizens suffering the brunt of an ongoing economic crisis, especially in his federal constituency of Pagoh.
But Muhyiddin said, although responsible, he could not be held accountable for inaction.
“I have never seen Malaysians in such a difficult situation. This time I went down to Pagoh, I sent thousands of rations because they didn’t have anything to eat because they had no money.
“I feel responsible as prime minister, but to say I am responsible for doing nothing is wrong.”
As for his abrupt resignation as prime minister, after more than a dozen Umno MPs withdrew confidence in his leadership, the Pagoh MP said it is not all disappointing.
“My wife asked me how I felt, and I said I am relieved to have this burden on me removed.
“When there is a burden on your shoulders, it is heavy, but don’t do what you think is right, but what is right, there is a big difference.
“I am not against corruption because I think it is wrong, it is because God has declared it so.”
Muhyiddin served as Malaysia’s eighth prime minister from March 2020, after seizing power from the previous Pakatan Harapan administration.
His tenure came to an end on Monday, after 18 Umno MPs withdrew their support against him and the Perikatan Nasional administration.
Following his resignation, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appointed Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as prime minister after 114 MPs pledged support to him via statutory declarations.
Ismail Sabri will be sworn in at Istana Negara tomorrow afternoon. – The Vibes, August 20, 2021
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