KUALA LUMPUR – Ahead of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s first national address, his predecessor Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s message is clear – the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government is still in charge.
In a Facebook post accompanied by a grainy photo, Muhyiddin said the 50 MP-strong PN is committed to see through the Muhyiddin administration’s National Recovery Plan.
“PN, with 50 MPs and three independent MPs, will remain united and committed in supporting the PN government’s policies and planning to ensure that the NRP is a success, including putting the people first and the country’s survival.
“We also discussed in detail the current political scenario and listened to feedback from our component parties. We are working to strengthen our political cooperation and preparation ahead of the 15th general election.”
Muhyiddin added that the meeting was attended by component party chiefs Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS), Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan (Sabah Star), Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee (SAPP), and Gerakan’s Datuk Dominic Lau.
Also in attendance were Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, party secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, PN election director Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, and PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, as well as other party reps.
Muhyiddin said the meeting was conducted with approval from the National Security Council.
Earlier today, Faizal said the new administration led by Umno is still a PN government.
Speaking to the press outside the PN headquarters in Publika, Faizal said this is because the majority of MPs who support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob are from PN, while Umno’s Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition has 41 MPs.
“This is still a PN government. Our friend (BN) only has the support of 41 MPs,” he said after PN’s supreme council meeting here today.
Faizal said there was no talk of the cabinet’s formation nor the deputy prime minister’s position during the meeting chaired today by Muhyiddin.
“We did not discuss that matter. We will leave it to the president (Muhyiddin) to decide and discuss with Ismail Sabri. We believe the prime minister will make the right decision.
“What is important is to form a cabinet to save the country from political turmoil and an economic crisis. We want a stable government and we will support Ismail Sabri’s administration.”
He added that PN will continue its efforts to prepare the party and its machinery for the next general election.
The PN government narrative was recently shot down by two Umno leaders – secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
Both disagree on labelling Ismail Sabri’s administration a PN government, calling it more of a mixed one.
Ismail Sabri has the backing of 114 parliamentarians, a simple majority support to form the government. But he still has to muster enough votes when a confidence motion is tabled in the Dewan Rakyat when it convenes next month.
The MPs are from GPS (18), Umno (37), Bersatu (31), PAS (18), MCA (two), MIC (one), PBRS (one), PBS (one), Sabah Star (one) and independent (four).
All eyes will now be on the formation of his new cabinet and the appointment of a deputy, which he is set to announce in due time.
Of particular interest will be the position of deputy prime minister, with several Bersatu leaders said to be fighting over the post. – The Vibes, August 22, 2021
