Saturday, February 29, 2020

UPDATE : Anwar counts on disgruntled MPs from 'other side' to give Harapan the numbers


Bringing you updates on the developing situation following the collapse of the 20-month-old Pakatan Harapan government.
Thank you for following Malaysiakini's report
This wraps up Malaysiakini's coverage of the political manoeuvrings to oust the Pakatan Harapan government for today. Stay tuned tomorrow.
Anwar counts on disgruntled MPs from 'other side' to give Harapan the numbers 
11.20pm: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim remains confident that Pakatan Harapan has the numbers with support from disgruntled MPs on the "other side".
"All the MPs pledging for me have done so as individuals.
"I know for a fact that some of the MPs on the ‘other side’ are unhappy that their party leaders have stolen their voice.
"Harapan has the numbers," Anwar tweets. 
Umno leader hopeful for crisis to end with Muhyiddin as PM
11.05pm: Umno supreme council member Razlan Rafii is hopeful that Muafakat Nasional's support for Muhyiddin will bring an end to the political crisis.
"We can move on now, and focus on the country," he says, adding that he hoped a power transition would be peaceful.
He also denies speculation that Umno had attached any conditions to its support other than it did not want to work with DAP.
Dr M endorses Muhyiddin, says Rais Hussin 
11pm: Bersatu supreme council member Rais Hussin (below) claims Muhyiddin Yassin's prime minister candidacy has the support of Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"Muhyiddin was supported by Mahathir and all remaining Bersatu MPs.
"In the supreme council WhatsApp group, the majority supported. I am sure there will be a supreme council meeting soon to endorse it officially," he says in a statement.
Rais was responding to Kadir Jasin's claim that Muhyiddin's prime minister bid was not a decision of the supreme council.
He says the vote of MPs matter more than the supreme council but was confident Muhyiddin "will do the necessary".
Sabah rep quits PKR with 3,000 others, Libaran division disbands
10.40pm: Nominated Sabah assemblyperson Jaffari Walliam resigns from PKR, Bernama reports, citing a loss of faith in party president Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership.
The report quoted Jaffari - who was the Libaran PKR division chief - saying that 3,144 out of 4,000 members at the division are also resigning, including 32 of the division’s 38 office bearers. The slew of resignations mean the Libaran PKR division has been disbanded.
Jaffari says he decided to quit after former PKR president Azmin Ali and vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin got sacked from the party.
“The president only prioritises certain groups while sidelining others, especially those original fighters who had sacrificed (for the party) for 20 years,” he tells reporters in Sandakan.
He is backing interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to remain as prime minister, and for Mohd Shafie Apdal to continue as Sabah chief minister.
Redzuan refutes Kadir Jasin, says Muhyiddin has solid support
9.35pm: Outside Muhyiddin Yassin's residence - Bersatu supreme council member Redzuan Yusof refutes A Kadir Jasin's earlier statement claiming that the party's decision to name its president Muhyiddin Yassin as a prime minister candidate is not a solid decision.
Redzuan says Muhyiddin has solid support from Bersatu leaders.
"I don't know about that... That is his opinion. From what we saw today, Muhyiddin has solid support.
"If Kadir says he (Muhyiddin) did not get solid support, we had a meeting this morning and a statement has been issued by the party secretary-general.
"If the number is not solid, I do not know how more solid it can be," he says.
Redzuan also tells reporters that it is time for the country to move forward.
"... I think we have some positive outcome of whatever we see today, and, hopefully, we can get back to strengthening the nation towards prosperity," says Redzuan.
Asked on speculations that the Bersatu meeting outcome sacrificed Dr Mahathir's principle not to work with Umno, Redzuan says that it is a matter of perception.
"This is perception. We cannot say that people in a group as evil, robbers and thieves.
"We have laws to deal with it. So we are not sacrificing the principle.
"The principle is the same as what we had taken before in Pakatan Harapan," he says.
Bersih, NGOs to meet regarding possible protest
9:30pm: Electoral reform group Bersih is calling for a meeting with NGOs tomorrow morning to discuss organising a protest against the ongoing political turmoil.
The decision from the meeting is expected to be announced at a 2pm press conference.
“Your support is now needed to save our country,” the Bersih steering committee says in a statement.
Kadir Jasin: Muhyiddin as PM candidate not Bersatu supreme council's decision
9pm: Bersatu supreme council member A Kadir Jasin in a media statement says the party's decision to name its president Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister candidate was not done through the council.
"... This was not Bersatu's decision. The supreme council was not consulted or informed about this.
"The last stand made by the council in its meeting on Monday night was that Dr Mahathir will stay on as prime minister," says Kadir.
For the record, Kadir, who is a veteran media person, was Mahathir's media adviser.
In the statement, Kadir also takes a swipe at Umno and PAS which earlier today stated their support for Muhyiddin to be the eighth premier.
"Unlike Dr Mahathir, who is only ready to accept Umno members in their individual capacity, Muhyiddin is willing to take them en bloc," Kadir says.
He says Mahathir has repeatedly warned the Bersatu supreme council that Umno is "desperate" to form a coalition government with them because criminal trials against Umno leaders are nearing their end. 
Kadir tells Malaysiakini the council did not even know the party has new MPs.
He is referring to the addition of 10 more MPs led by former PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Another Bersatu supreme council member, Rais Hussin, says the council did not have any meeting since Monday.
He informs Malaysiakini the council members only knew about the naming of Muhyiddin as a PM candidate through the party's press statement.
Rais agrees with Muhyiddin being selected by Bersatu to be their PM candidate.
"I agree with the announcement of Muhyiddin Yassin. He is capable, he has the right experience and everything.
"He has to go through the right process - that he needs to command - in the mind of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the majority support from MPs.
"I think that is what he will probably do and then we take it from there."
Rais also believes Mahathir endorses Muhyiddin as PM candidate. 
Tommy Thomas resigns as AG
8pm: Attorney-General Tommy Thomas has submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, according to a news report.
Contacted by Malaysiakini for confirmation, he replied: “Yes.”
Read full report here.
Anwar leaves meeting in a huff
7.10pm: Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya - PKR president Anwar Ibrahim leaves the hotel where Pakatan Harapan top leaders met earlier today.
He, however, declines to entertain questions from reporters.
Fahmi Fadzil assures supporters Harapan leaders are 'working on it'
6.40pm: PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil is seen meeting a group of Pakatan Harapan supporters at the lobby of Eastin Hotel in Petaling Jaya, where the coalition's top leaders are having a meeting.
He is heard assuring the supporters that the coalition's leaders are "working on it".
"We just need a few more," he says.
It is believed that he is referring to number of MPs needed to support PKR president Anwar Ibrahim to be the next prime minister.
Meanwhile, Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR) and DAP Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang are seen leaving the hotel.
They declined to give any comments when approached by the press.
"Wait for a statement," Lim says.
Top cop warns against engaging foreign elements
6.35pm - Inspector-general of police urges "certain individuals" against against seeking foreign assistance in the ongoing political crisis. 
"There is a little bit of 'sound' (indication) that there are those out there trying to bring foreign elements in to help certain parties.
"For me, this is treason. Please do not involve outsiders," he told the media in front of Istana Negara, according to The Star.
Muhyiddin gets support from MCA, MIC
6.25pm: MCA and MIC declare support for Muhyiddin Yassin, according to a statement from coalition secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
MCA president Wee Ka Siong confirms this to Malaysiakini.
"Yes," he replies in brief when asked to confirm their support. He also says that MCA will be issuing a statement soon.
This now gives Muhyiddin 96 MPs.
PBRS, which is a BN component with one seat, has yet to declare its stance.
Zuraida leaves Muhyiddin's residence
6.21pm: New Bersatu member Zuraida Kamaruddin leaves party’s president Muhyiddin Yassin's house. 
She refuses to answer questions from the media but only shows a “thumbs up”.
Umno and PAS back Muhyiddin for PM
6pm: Umno and PAS make U-turn on their call for snap elections, and will back Muhyiddin Yassin as a candidate for prime minister.
This was announced in a joint statement signed by the parties secretaries-general Annuar Musa and Takiyuddin Hassan.
Umno and PAS have 57 MPs in total. Together with Bersatu's 36, this means Muhyiddin has 93 lawmakers backing him.
If MCA, MIC, and PBRS also back Muhyiddin, then this brings the total to 97.
Only 92 MPs from Pakatan Harapan have been confirmed as backing Anwar Ibrahim.
New Bersatu members at Muhyiddin's house 
5.25pm: Muhyiddin's house, Bukit Damansara - New Bersatu members Zuraida Kamaruddin, Saifuddin Abdullah and Willie Mongin are at the party president's home.
Also there is Bersatu supreme council member Redzuan Yusof.
Pakatan Harapan confident Anwar has majority support
5.15pm: Pakatan Harapan presidential council remains confident that Anwar Ibrahim has the biggest support of MPs who were interviewed by the King.
"The presidential council believes Anwar should be given the chance to meet the Agong to prove that he has majority support of MPs," it said in a statement.
They are putting their trust in the King to find a solution to appointing a prime minister.
Hishammuddin speaks about 'bigger agenda'
5pm: Muhyiddin's house, Bukit Damansara - Before leaving, Umno's Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein says, “if you have a bigger agenda for the nation in your heart, there’s nothing I wouldn’t work with”.
Umno's Hasni Mohammad becomes new Johor MB
5pm: Johor Umno chief Hasni Mohammad (photo) has been sworn in as the new state menteri besar.
Sources close to the palace said that the ceremony took place at Istana Bukit Serene.
Earlier, Umno and Bersatu assemblypersons Malaysiakini contacted had been tight-lipped about the swearing-in ceremony.
Interim PM declines speaking to media
4:45pm: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre - Interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad declines to take questions from the media as he leaves a UN event.
Among the questions directed at him are “do you agree with having Muhyiddin Yassin as Bersatu’s prime minister candidate?”.
Earlier, Mahathir had delivered the keynote address at an international conference entitled “Southeast Asian support for the Rights of the Palestinian People”. 
Azmin Ali's bloc joins Bersatu except Ranau MP 
4.35pm: A source close to Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin confirms that 10 MPs from Azmin Ali's faction has joined the party.
The sole exception was Ranau MP Jonathan Yasin.
Jonathan appeared to distance himself from Azmin yesterday, denying he had left PKR in a now deleted Facebook post.
Read full report here. 
Bersatu nominates Muhyiddin for PM 
4.18pm: Bersatu will nominate Muhyiddin Yassin (below, left) as their prime minister candidate for the King's consideration.
The party's secretary-general Marzuki Yahya says this was decided at the meeting between Bersatu lawmakers and Dr Mahathir Mohamad at Yayasan Al Bukhary.
Marzuki did not state if this was a unanimous decision but he says that "36 Bersatu MPs" attended the meeting.
Bersatu only has 26 MPs including Mahathir. The additional 10 are believed to refer to Azmin Ali's faction, who have been widely speculated to be joining Bersatu.
King still can't determine who has majority
4.00pm - The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is still unable to determine which MP commands majority support of the Dewan Rakyat.
In a statement by the Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadli Shamsuddin, His Majesty's next step is to reach out to leaders of parties with MPs.
Read full report here. 
Zuraida yet to decide which party to join, says former aide
3.30pm: Former PKR vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin (photo) hasn't submitted a membership form to join any political party as she has not made up her mind yet, according to her former aide.
Her former political secretary Nor Hizwan Ahmad confirms that Zuraida is still an independent parliamentarian but is inclined to support the leadership of Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"From the information I received, the matter is still in discussion as it is known that she was sacked by her party," he told the media in Ampang.
He denies Zuraida met Mahathir together with Azmin and nine other ex-PKR MPs under the capacity of a Bersatu member.
"She probably went there to meet Mahathir or other leaders. Or she was probably there to check out the environment of Yayasan Al Bukhary," he said. 
Dewan Rakyat speaker meets King again
3.25pm: Istana Negara - Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof (photo) is back at the Istana Negara.
The speaker had already had an audience with the King earlier this morning.
The latest visit comes after Ariff pulled the plug on Mahathir's call for a Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday, saying a special session would only be called after receiving a royal decree.
Pakatan Harapan leaders at Eastin Hotel 
2.45pm: Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya - Pakatan Harapan leaders such as Gobind Singh Deo, Anthony Loke, Saifuddin Nasution, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Khalid Samad have been spotted here at the hotel.
Previously, a message had been circulating on WhatsApp that the Harapan presidential council would be addressing supporters at the hotel at 3pm.
However, Harapan officers had denied this as fake.
PKR information chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin says Harapan leaders are just having a "regular daily meeting".
After speaker's decision, Umno veep tells Dr M 'time to go'
2.40pm: The writing is on the wall for Dr Mahathir Mohamad, according to Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin.
In an Instagram post this afternoon, the former Johor menteri besar claims the time has come for the 94-year-old leader to take a bow.
“The sign is on the wall for Tun M, about time to go, thank you for the services and sacrifices for Malaysia all this while,” he says.
Khaled also posts the statement from Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof rejecting Mahathir's call for a special sitting next week to resolve the current political impasse.
Penang won't dissolve state assembly in the event of snap polls - CM
2pm: In the event of a snap election, Penang will not dissolve its 40-member state legislative assembly, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (below) today.
Chow said this is because the Pakatan Harapan government in Penang is backed by a "strong mandate".
"We can carry on our mandate for another three years," he said after a groud breaking ceremony by Smith+Nephew in Batu Kawan, Penang today.
The next polls (GE15) is not expected until mid-2023.
Chow noted that it is the respective state's decision to dissolve the state assembly in the event of a snap or national polls.
"But there is no need for us to do it, we will continue until full term,” he said.
In GE14, Harapan won 37 seats out of 40 in Penang, while the opposition won three - BN (2) and PAS (1).
Some rulers seen leaving palace, Mahathir-Bersatu meeting ends
1.10pm: The rulers of Johor, Kedah, Perlis, and Terengganu have been spotted leaving Istana Negara.
It is understood that the other rulers are still meeting with the King.
Over as Yayasan AlBukhary, the meeting between Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Bersatu leaders, and MPs aligned to Azmin Ali has also concluded.
Bersatu supreme council member Redzuan Yusof tells reporters to "wait for tonight" when met.
It is unclear if the meeting has concluded or if they are leaving for Friday prayers. 
Mahathir has an event at 3.30pm.
Dewan Rakyat speaker: No sitting on March 2
1.00pm: Parliament - There will not be a special Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday, says speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof. 
According to Mohamad, he had received a correspondence from interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad calling for the sitting. 
However, the correspondence does not fulfil Standing Order 11(3), in which the time of the sitting is determined by the speaker of the House. 
Moreover, he said the prime minister also failed to state the nature of the business to be discussed. 
Full report here.
Malay rulers at the palace to meet Agong
12.30pm: Istana Negara - All the Malay rulers have arrived at the palace for a meeting with the King.
Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar was the first to arrive at 9.26am, while the Sultan Nazrin Shah arrived at 11.26am.
The rulers' meeting comes two days after the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong concluded interviews with lawmakers to decide on a future government.
Bersatu leader disagrees with Parliament sitting to determine PM
12.17pm: Bersatu supreme council member Rais Yatim (photo), too, does not appear to agree with the March 2 Parliament sitting to determine the support of MPs for the next prime minister.
This is after interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday announced that Parliament will convene for the above purpose as the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong had found that no one had majority support.

"What's with the fuss that the Dewan Rakyat will supposedly determine who becomes prime minister on March 2?
"The power to appoint the prime minister lies in the hands of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, not the Dewan Rakyat.
"The Agong would have made a decision after interviewing MPs for two days. The attorney-general should give the right advice to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong," he says in a Twitter post.
Over half of Johor Bersatu divisions back Mahathir as PM
12pm: Nineteen out of 26 Johor Bersatu divisions are backing Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister, says state party chief Mazlan Bujang (photo).


This comes a day after Johor Bersatu assemblypersons joined forces with BN and PAS to take over the state government, allegedly with the blessings of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.
The interim prime minister, who has been adamantly against working with Umno en bloc, claimed that Muhyiddin has a more relaxed stance on working with the former ruling party as a whole.
Umno against March 2 Parliament sitting
11.40pm: Interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's announcement that the Dewan Rakyat will be convened on March 2 to determine who its members support as the next prime minister has not only courted criticism from Pakatan Harapan but also Umno.
"All MPs must say 'no' to the March 2 special sitting as announced by the interim prime minister.
"It is unconstitutional, procedurally improper and disrespects the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong," says Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa.
Ex-IGPs and former senate president submit petition 
11.20pm: Istana Negara - Former inspectors-general of police and former senate president leave the palace after submitting a petition.
Ex-IGPs Hanif Omar and Musa Hassan and former president of the Dewan Negara Abu Zahar Ujang were seen exiting the grounds of Istana Negara at 10.11am after handing over a petition to a representative of the confidential secretary to the King, Nazim Mohd Alimi.
Hanif, who then met with reporters, explained that the petition was prompted by the current political upheaval and was an effort by various NGOs to unite in a movement to uphold the Constitution.
Hanif argued that the dissolution of Parliament in times of political turmoil was not the best solution.
"We have been very careful and the situation is not yet a security threat, which we feel is necessary to resolve the issue without the dissolution of Parliament.
"Let the Yang di-Pertuan Agong make the decision, if he decides on dissolution then we will accept it," he said.
However, his group did not want to explain the essence of the petition and said it was specifically written to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Also present were several NGOs such as Gerakan Pembela (Ummah), Majlis Perundingan Melayu (MPM) and Veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Musa who heads security for MPM also supported the view that it was not fair to dissolve Parliament, seeing no security threats so far.
Ex-PKR members arrive for meeting with Mahathir 
11am: Yayasan Albukhary - A number of former PKR leaders aligned to Azmin Ali are seen arriving here for the meeting with Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Batu Pahat MP Rashid Hasnon, Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin and Gombak Setia assemblyperson Hilman Idham are among those believed to be in attendance.
Mahathir is also currently meeting Bersatu leaders here.
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'Conference of Rulers' decisions need to follow Federal Constitution'
10.40am: PKR treasurer Lee Chean Chung hopes the Conference of Rulers will follow the Federal Constitution in making a decision on the next government and premier candidate.
Taking to social media, Lee said Dr Mahathir Mohamad forgot that he is merely an interim prime minister.
"Article 40(2) and Article 43(2)(a) stated only the head of state, ie the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the power to choose a candidate that (is supported) by the majority of the MPs as the prime minister.
"The law is meant to prevent the premier to act arbitrarily and this is the jurisdiction given to the head of state only under parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy," he said.
"Furthermore, the candidate of the premier must be picked and announced by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong before the Dewan Rakyat to approve a no-confidence motion.
"But Mahathir has arrogated the procedure and is not following the spirit of the Federal Constitution. It will affect the decision that will be made by the head of state," he said. 
Mahathir arrives for meeting with Bersatu MPs
10am: Yayasan Albukhary - Dr Mahathir Mohamad is here to meet with Bersatu MPs.
He arrived here at around 9.10am in a dark blue Mercedes Benz.
A number of the MPs have already arrived, such as Pagoh MP Muhyiddin Yassin, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee, Kubang Pasu MP Amiruddin Hamzah, Titiwangsa MP Rina Harun, Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik and Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya.
Bandar Tun Razak MP Kamaruddin Jaafar was also spotted entering the building.
Kamaruddin was one of the 11 PKR MPs who quit the party along with Azmin Ali.
Ex-IGPs, former senate president at Istana Negara
9.50am: Istana Negara - Ex-IGPs Hanif Omar and Musa Hassan as well as former Dewan Negara president Abu Zahar Ujang are seen entering the third gate of the palace.
They are planning to submit a memorandum on the current political crisis to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Earlier, several people dressed in white were seen arriving at the entrance of Gate 3, as early as 9am.


Among those present was former PKR researcher Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, who made waves in December when he accused PKR president Anwar Ibrahim of sexual misconduct.
The contents of the memorandum were not disclosed but Haniff told the press that he would brief them after his meeting with the King.
Mahathir or Muhyiddin? Bersatu must decide their PM candidate
9.45am: A Bersatu senior leader hopes the party will make a decision that is able to put the country back to its course of prosperity.
Speaking to Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity, he says the party must decide its choice of premiership candidate - between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin - by today.
He says this is needed so Bersatu can negotiate with Umno/BN, PAS, GPS and Warisan to form a unity government before they attend the special sitting in Dewan Rakyat next Monday.
He agreed that Muhyiddin is more acceptable to Umno and PAS as compared with Mahathir, who is a principled man unable to accept the formation of a government with Umno en bloc.
Mahathir will meet all MPs from Bersatu at 10am today. 
Read full report here. 
Bursa opens in the red despite stimulus package announcement
9.20am: All listed index on Bursa Malaysia opens in the red today due to increased selling pressure as the ongoing political crisis continues to influence the market despite the announcement of RM20 billion stimulus package to battle Covid-19 impacts.
Bernama reported that as of 9.08am, the key index of the FBM Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) was 1.26 percent or 19.08 points lower at 1,486.51, after opening at 20.69 points lower at 9am sharp.
On the broader market, losers trounced gainers 499 to 54 with 140 counters unchanged and 65 suspended. Turnover stood at 346.67 million shares worth RM161.85 million.
Kit Siang lambasts plotters for doing it while Covid-19 spreads 
9am: DAP's Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang has hit out at those behind the current political crisis for their timing.
"It is the height of irresponsibility to create a political crisis in Malaysia in the midst of a global coronavirus crisis," he said in a statement this morning.
"The World Health Organisation head Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus has warned that the coronavirus outbreak has reached a “decisive point” and has “pandemic potential” as countries around the world battle to prevent the virus spreading further," he said.
He called for the "artificial political crisis" to be resolved in the shortest time possible, and that those responsible to be condemned by all Malaysians.
"The nation must not be held to ransom by irresponsible political leaders who are prepared to risk great damage to the country just to play their political games," said Kit Siang who called for the restoration of the Pakatan Harapan government.
Bersatu may be wiped out in a snap election: Xavier 
8.30am: PKR vice-president Xavier Jayakumar (photo) cautions that Bersatu will be wiped out if a snap poll is called.

"Bersatu presently is in a disarray and if this saga leads to elections, I am sure the party could possibly face a wipe out or suffer heavy losses for that matter," he said in a statement.
"All Dr Mahathir Mohamad had to do was to sack five cabinet members, reappoint and move on," he said without mentioning names.
Xavier also pointed out the role Mahathir played in the entire episode and concluded there is an ongoing plot to form a unity government without Pakatan Harapan.
He said Mahathir could just hand over his power to PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim peacefully.
"Why did he supposedly pre-empt the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong over a special Parliament sitting announcement?
"I hope and pray Yang Di-Pertuan Agong will make a decision which we all will abide," he said. 
Read full report here. 
Umno sec-gen: Dr M jumped the gun, the king should pick the PM
8am: Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa voiced his objection to the announcement by interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that Dewan Rakyat would convene on Monday to determine who commanded the support of the majority of MPs.
"There is no provision to authorise the Dewan Rakyat to determine who the PM is. It is the absolute power of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to appoint any MP who has the support of the majority.
“Upon review there is not enough support, YDPA may decide to dissolve the House or find other ways to proceed," tweeted Annuar.

Azmin slammed for taking credit for stimulus package
7.45am: Amanah communication director Khalid Samad slams former economic affairs minister Azmin Ali for taking credit for the stimulus package announced yesterday by interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He says former finance minister Lim Guan Eng had worked hard on the stimulus package.
"You have damaged the investment atmosphere, economy and politics of the country through your 'Sikitol move'! And after that, you are ‘stealing’ credit from Guan Eng. This is most disgraceful. Have you no shame?" tweets Khalid.
According to ‘The Malay Annals’, Si Kitol was one of the treacherous individuals in 16th century who played a role in the collapse of the Melaka Sultanate.
However, Azmin's aide Woon King Chai defends his boss saying that the Economic Affairs Ministry also worked hard to ensure all Malaysians benefit from the booster shot to the economy.
In a joint statement yesterday, Azmin and 10 MPs who support him, expected the stimulus package would ease the cash flow burden of businesses and individuals affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, particularly those in the tourism and export sectors.
Day 6 of unprecedented political upheaval
7.30am: It's Day 6 of the political crisis that has gripped the country following a failed coup attempt on Sunday.
According to interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the situation will be resolved next Monday at an emergency session of the Dewan Rakyat.
However, Pakatan Harapan said that under the Federal Constitution, the power to decide on who the prime minister should be lies with the king, and accused Mahathir of pre-empting the sovereign. The Malay rulers are expected to meet today.

Mahathir is also to meet his party this morning amid what is perceived to be a growing split between him and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin. - Mkini
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