Bersatu sec-gen denies reports of party leaders quitting

Bringing you updates on the developing situation following the collapse of the 20-month-old Pakatan Harapan government yesterday.

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Bersatu sec-gen denies reports of party leaders quitting

8am: Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya denies reports that any of the party leaders would be quitting.

"I wish to make clear that we are making stern denial that any of our MPs or Bersatu leaders who have been rumoured to be exiting Bersatu (are leaving).

"We are still intact," he told reporters after the party's supreme council meeting in Petaling Jaya shortly after midnight.

There were talks that a number of Bersatu leaders would join Dr Mahathir Mohamad in quitting their posts in the party. They include Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and former education minister Maszlee Malik.

Both Syed Saddiq and Maszlee attended the party’s supreme council meeting last night, which decided to reject Mahathir’s resignation as Bersatu chairperson.

Meanwhile, Marzuki also said the party's decision to leave Pakatan Harapan yesterday was a unanimous decision made by the Bersatu supreme council.

According to him, Bersatu leaders have yet to discuss possible cooperation with Umno and PAS but are thankful that the two opposition parties have expressed their support for Mahathir.

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Rais Hussin: Appoint Dzulkefly Ahmad as interim health minister

7.50am: Bersatu's chief strategist Rais Hussin suggests interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to appoint Dzulkefly Ahmad as interim health minister.

Taking to social media, he says this is needed to control the spread of Covid-19 in Malaysia.

"The coronavirus crisis is escalating elsewhere! This appointment is in the best interest of all Malaysians, not for few!" said the Emir Research president.

Mahathir's resignation as prime minister yesterday immediately triggered the disbanding of the cabinet.

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Day 3 of political upheaval

7.40am: An unprecedented political upheaval which led to the collapse of the 20-month-old Pakatan Harapan government enters Day 3 today.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad is being supported by both sides fighting for control of the federal government, but despite this, no one side has yet to emerge with a clear parliamentary majority.

Mahathir is currently the sole member of government after being appointed interim prime minister by the king yesterday following his shock resignation.

All ministerial posts have been vacated, pending the formation of a new government.

[More to follow] - Mkini