Muhyiddin: Working with kleptos easy way out, I chose otherwise

 

Outgoing prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin fired a parting shot at his political opponents in Umno in his public address after tendering his resignation today.

“I could have taken the easy way out by sacrificing my principles to stay as prime minister. I chose otherwise.

“I will never cooperate with the kleptocrats, who are waiting to be freed by the courts and have shown contempt of the Federal Constitution to be in power,” he said.

While he did not name anyone, Muhyiddin attributed his resignation to the withdrawal of support by 15 Umno MPs and the opposition’s rejection of his deal.

Among the 15 Umno MPs are two lawmakers facing criminal trials - Ahmad Maslan (Pontian MP) and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Bagan Datuk MP) - while another - Najib Abdul Razak (Pekan MP) - had already been convicted and going through the appeal process.

Millions want me to stay

Muhyiddin said his job as a prime minister was not a glamorous one, as it was a heavy responsibility to navigate through unprecedented health and economic crisis.

“At the same time, I was being threatened politically.

“I hear the appeals of millions of Malaysians who want me to continue my duties and not resign. However, this appeal cannot be fulfilled because I no longer command majority support of the MPs,” he added. 

Muhyiddin said his resignation was the will of God and another chapter in his political struggle.

“Six years ago I was sacked as the deputy prime minister just because I defended my principles by refusing to compromise over the 1MDB scandal.

“I fought, I sacrificed and in the end, God helped me in my struggle. I was entrusted to lead the country as prime minister.

“However, today it is fated that this will be my last day as prime minister and I accept the will of God,” he added.

Legacy through vaccination

Muhyiddin expressed hope that the new government will be able to continue his administration’s effort to complete the Covid-19 vaccination programme and achieve “herd immunity” by October.

He said the National Recovery Plan must also be continued to allow the economy to recover.

Muhyiddin stressed that Malaysia has the highest vaccination rate in the world and assured that 87 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines ordered by his administration will be enough for everyone.

“I hope the new government which takes over the administration of this country will take good care of all of you because it is the only thing that I care about. I care for you always,” he said.

Muhyiddin said there are positive signs in hospitals throughout the Klang Valley as the number of Covid-19 patients who need critical care is reducing.

“Hopefully, as the vaccination programme progresses, more lives can be saved and my brothers and sisters will be able to live their lives normally,” he added. - Mkini