[UPDATED] No revolt, no worries: Muhyiddin says Hadi’s remark ‘misunderstood’

KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's previous remark about the government possibly collapsing has nothing to do with Perikatan Nasional (PN) attempting a coup, coalition chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin clarified today. 

Addressing delegates at Bersatu’s annual general assembly, Muhyiddin said the statement by the PAS president had been misunderstood by certain quarters.

He maintained that PN leaders would always abide by and respect the federal constitution, and would not resort to any action that could jeopardise its sanctity. 

“When PAS president (Hadi) predicted the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government might collapse if it continues like this, some people misunderstood it, as though there will be a revolution,” he said in his winding up speech, here, today. 

“No such thing! This is a democracy, and we defend the democratic system. We will never do anything that is against the constitution.”

Instead, Muhyiddin said any collapse of the ruling government would be owing to pressure from Malaysians demanding for a change. 

“The rakyat are represented by MPs, be it those in Sarawak or Sabah. 

“When they see their MPs colluding with the government, certainly they can’t stand it and will ask, ‘Why are they (MPs) still with PH? Let’s do something about it.’

“Do you understand? This is the core issue. If we allow these issues (faced by the rakyat) to persist, without any improvement or planning, what are the rakyat going to do?”

Previously on February 28, when debating Budget 2023, Hadi had said that PN must not be blamed if the government collapses again, suggesting that such an event would be due to its own flaws and weaknesses. 

“After the 15th general election, PH component parties did not have enough seats and were forced to cooperate with other smaller parties with diseases to ensure sufficient numbers in the government.

“If you fall again, don’t blame us. It’s not because we placed holes on the roof, but because it is leaking, the doors are ajar, and the walls are collapsing.”

In his speech, Muhyiddin took issue with the government’s apparent lack of action in addressing the rising cost of living and inflation, despite having been in Putrajaya for over 100 days. 

He expressed concern that if no firm action is taken by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his cabinet, the economy is at risk of failing, and many Malaysians would either be jobless or see their income level decrease. 

“Don’t let the rakyat suffer such a fate, Anwar. It is about the people’s livelihood. Even our (PN) leaders can feel the effects, but not those in the government.”

However, Muhyiddin told Bersatu delegates today that the current government’s underperformance offers a silver lining for the opposition: a chance to win big in the coming state elections. 

He said although the party’s bank accounts have been frozen, the state polls will be a test to prove the rakyat’s rejection of the unity government. 

“In a democratic system, we are only a political tool; the rakyat decides. If they are suffering, they will try to look for solutions. 

“And never underestimate the voters’ wisdom and knowledge, particularly the youth. They will definitely support us and reject the government.” – The Vibes, March 12, 2023