Zahid: PN playing victim but real ones are the 12k dead Malaysians

 

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has scoffed at the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government's change of tune promoting bipartisanship and reform after losing its majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

Zahid, who led 15 Umno MPs including himself to withdraw support for the prime minister, said the PN government was now trying to act "innocent" and playing the victim card.

He said this in reference to Muhyiddin's offer of reforms to the opposition yesterday in exchange for support as he sought to rebuild his collapsed majority.

"Yesterday's address (by Muhyiddin) clearly tried to paint an innocent picture of the government that does not have a majority.

"The government, which has failed to manage the Covid-19 pandemic leading to 12,000 deaths, is trying to present itself as the victim.

"The fact is, the real victims are the 12,000 innocent lives lost due to their failure in curbing Covid-19," he said in a statement.

Zahid (above) added that while the PN government still had the opportunity, it did not show interest in bipartisanship.

He said even the supposed bipartisan committee to advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the emergency was a mere "show".

The Bagan Datuk MP said the government is trying to paint a narrative that the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic would be impacted if it did not remain in power.

But the reality is, many proposals intended to help the people put forward by various quarters were ignored. That was the height of its arrogance.

However, Zahid said this won't change the crisis of confidence in Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin's majority evaporated after 15 Umno MPs withdrew their support.

Even though another 23 Umno MPs continued to support him, he only had the backing of 110 MPs, 11 short of a majority.

Muhyiddin had offered various reforms in exchange for the support of opposition MPs but was rebuffed.

His offers included equal funding for opposition MPs and reforms that have long been lobbied for by the opposition, such as a term limit for the prime minister, anti-hopping laws, and a more inclusive composition of parliamentary select committees.

 - Mkini