KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is contemplating stepping down as prime minister after failing to convince the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to put the country under emergency rule.
Since the royal snub this evening, ministers and Bersatu leaders were seen arriving in droves at Muhyiddin’s house in Bukit Damansara here.
Ministers, as well as MPs, some of whom were teary-eyed, gathered at the prime minister’s residence to convince him not to resign.
Leading the group are International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
“It seems that the defeat might have taken a toll on Muhyiddin, and some are saying that he wants to do the right thing and resign, but is asked to stay on by Azmin and others,” said one.
Muhyiddin on Friday presented to the Agong a proposal to put the country under emergency law.
But in a dramatic turn of events, the king today rejected Muhyiddin’s ambition, and instead, told the country’s politicians to stop politicking and focus on combating Covid-19 and reviving the economy.
A senior Bersatu member told The Vibes that some of them were summoned to Muhyiddin’s house.
Another member said it was inevitable that Muhyiddin would want to resign, having been defeated in his attempt to call for a state of emergency.
“There is also the question as to whether he has the numbers to support him in Parliament. This, compounded by the decision of the Agong, makes him feel unable to carry out his duties as prime minister.”
Leaders’ cars were seen leaving Muhyiddin’s house around 11.20pm.
In a brief statement tonight, Muhyiddin said he respects the Agong’s decision not to declare an emergency.
“The cabinet will discuss His Majesty’s decree further. The main concern of the cabinet and government is to shield the rakyat from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I appreciate His Majesty’s trust in my government and accept his advice to ensure this government remains stable.” – The Vibes, October 25, 2020
