Six BN, 18 PAS lawmakers throw support behind Dr M to serve full term

Six BN lawmakers have thrown their support behind Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to serve out a full term as prime minister.

The six are Mohd Shahar Abdullah (Paya Besar), Adham Baba (Tenggara), Mastura Mohd Yazid (Kuala Kangsar), Abdul Rahman Mohamad (Lipis), Ahmad Nazlan Idris (Jerantut) and Ismail Abd Muttalib (Maran).

"I am making this statement because we hope there will not be any problems due to the transition of power in two years as this is something that does not make sense because the rakyat has given them the mandate to rule," Mohd Shahar said in a press conference at parliament today.

He said that a "backdoor government" will not bring any benefit to the country.

Previously, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali had said those attempting to come in before the current administration ends its term is the actual "backdoor government" and backed Mahathir to serve a full term.

There were claims earlier that he was working with Umno's Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein to form a "backdoor government" that will see DAP and Amanah left out and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim's rise thwarted.

Anwar, who has indicated he hopes to succeed Mahathir after a maximum of two years, later dismissed Azmin's remarks as his personal opinion.

The position of the prime minister is determined by the elected ruling coalition, Anwar said, contrary to Azmin's claim that it is decided by the people every five years.

Meanwhile, Adham said in the press conference today that a rushed transition of power would cause damage to the investment in Malaysia.

"So it is better that we say this in person because if this (transition of power) is allowed to occur, we will face an uncertain economic situation and the investment rate will definitely fall in our country," he said.

At the same time, Abdul Rahman and Ahmad Nazlan urged the government leaders not to be too focused on the transition of power.

Instead, they should be looking for solutions to improve the country's economy.

Separately, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the six MPs do not represent the party's official stand.

"That is just their opinion, not the opinion of the party," he said to reporters briefly at the parliament.

Meanwhile, Takiyuddin Hassan (PAS-Kota Bharu) said in his Budget 2020 debate today that the rakyat is also concerned about this tussle over the prime minister’s position.

Takiyuddin (above) pointed out there is a provision under the constitution that states if a prime minister does not enjoy the support of a majority of MPs, he either has to resign or ask the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve the parliament.

"We do not agree with the situation right now and are very uncomfortable.

"We hope that the prime minister and the cabinet can resolve this issue.

"Also we want to say, if anything were to happen, myself as the PAS chief whip, there are 18 votes for Langkawi (Mahathir)," he concluded in his speech, effectively throwing the entire PAS lawmakers' support with Mahathir as well.

Before the 14th General Election, Mahathir had said he would hand over prime ministership to Anwar eventually.

He later said there was no time frame given for this transition of power, causing many to speculate about when and if the transition would happen. -Mkini