Bringing you updates on the developing situation following the collapse of the 20-month-old Pakatan Harapan government.
Machap Jaya rep to remain with PKR to 'carry out people's mandate'
1pm: Machap Jaya assemblyperson Ginie Lim - who was aligned to Azmin Ali - says she will continue to be with PKR to carry out the people's mandate.
"I have no problem to remain with PKR... I received the people's mandate to serve as assemblyperson, and then from the state government to be an exco member.
"I will carry out my duties till the end of my term," she tells reporters. A video of the exchange is published by the China Press.
Lim (photo) also expresses confidence that the current Pakatan Harapan state government in Malacca will survive as the people want it to, be it under the Pakatan Harapan name or as a new coalition.
Harapan lost majority control of Malacca after Bersatu left the coalition, marking the exit of two of its assemblypersons.
Incumbent chief minister Adly Zahari vacated his office yesterday.
Chants of 'Reformasi' reverberate as Anwar leaves Istana
12.49pm: Istana Negara - PKR President Anwar Ibrahim leaves the palace. Looking cheerful, he only waves his hand to the media members, while talking to someone on the phone.
The crowds chant "Reformasi" and "tolak pengkhianat" (reject traitors) as his entourage passes by.
Crowds turn frenzy when later, some MPs alight the bus and meet them.
Among them are Hang Tuah Jaya MP Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil, Permatang Pauh MP Nurul izzah, Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, and Batu MP M Prabakaran.
Addressing the supporters, Shamsul says: "Harapan MPs had an audience with Tuanku today and relayed our stance. God willing, let's just wait, I guarantee that we will find the best solution for the country."
Other MPs are seen waving to the supporters from inside the bus while shouting "Anwar for PM8".
Azmin and 10 ex-PKR MPs enter palace
12.40pm: Istana Negara - It is learnt from a police officer stationed outside of Gate 2 of the palace that the ousted PKR deputy president Azmin Ali and 10 other former PKR MPs, including Zuraida Kamaruddin, have entered the palace via Gate 3.
All Bersatu MPs told to back Dr M
12.40pm: Bersatu information chief Radzi Jidin says all of the party's 26 MPs have been instructed to back Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister.
He says the Bersatu supreme council in its meeting on Feb 24 also resolved to reject Mahathir's resignation as the party's chairperson.
"All Bersatu MPs had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this morning to state their support for Mahathir to become prime minister.
"Bersatu members are urged to remain calm and to give full confidence to the Bersatu leadership to deal with the current political situation.
"We are confident that this political situation will be resolved soonest," he said.
Dr M attends meeting on economic stimulus plan
12.40pm: Putrajaya - While all eyes are on Istana Negara, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is in Putrajaya meeting Finance Ministry officials on the economic stimulus plan.
According to a post on Mahathir's Twitter account, the plan will be announced soon.
Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad baru saja selesai bermesyuarat bersama dengan para pegawai atasan Kementerian Kewangan di dalam sesi perbincangan mengenai Pakej Ransangan Ekonomi. Inisiatif ini akan diumumkan tidak lama lagi.
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Bandar Tun Razak PKR affirms support for party
12.35pm: Bandar Tun Razak PKR division has affirmed its loyalty to the party.
This is after Bandar Tun Razak MP, Kamarudin Jaafar, joined Azmin Ali in quitting PKR following a coup attempt on Sunday.
Kamarudin holds no positions in Bandar Tun Razak PKR.
He is the second PKR lawmaker from the constituency to go rogue after former MP Khalid Ibrahim, who was sacked from PKR in 2014.
'Cheerful' Amanah MPs arrive at Istana Negara
12pm: Istana Negara - A convoy of Amanah MPs arrives at Istana Negara. They look cheerful as they tell the media that there is hope.
Hulu Langat MP Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus: "People's mandate, Pakatan Harapan."
Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad (photo): "We are with Pakatan Harapan. Amanah is solid. We hold onto the mandate and promise to the people."
Sepang MP Mohamed Hanipa Maidin: "God willing, Pakatan Harapan."
Parit Buntar MP Mujahid Yusof Rawa: "We are putting a lot of hopes today, there is hope, the sun will shine again."
Meanwhile, 20 minutes later, Penampang MP Darell Leiking and Kuala Selangor MP Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad are seen in two of five cars entering the palace.
Johor reps to meet sultan this afternoon - sources
11.50am: All Johor assemblypersons have been called in for an audience with Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at 2pm, according to sources.
It is understood that Johor Umno chief Hasni Mohammad will lead the BN delegation.
Following Bersatu's exit from Harapan, the Johor State Assembly became hung, with 28 MPs from PKR, DAP and Amanah against 28 MPs from BN, Bersatu, and PAS.
However, state assembly speaker Suhaizan Kaiat said yesterday that the Johor government is still intact, pending the outcome of political realignments at the federal level.
Harapan agenda only way for nation to reclaim honour - Kit Siang
11.30am: DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang (photo) asserts that Pakatan Harapan's agenda is the only way for Malaysia to reclaim its honour, rebuild, and fulfil its potential, no matter how difficult the road may be.
"Harapan is determined to reclaim the pride of all Malaysians that has been sold and bartered away by Umno and BN
"We must remain true to this pledge to fulfil the Harapan agenda to reset nation-building policies for Malaysia to return to the founding principles of the Malaysian constitution to ensure unity, justice, freedom, excellence and integrity in Malaysia where there is the separation of powers, the rule of law, public integrity and respect for human rights, a Malaysia that is inclusive, moderate and respected globally," he says in a statement.
Mukhriz, Muhyiddin leave palace
11.20am: Istana Negara - Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir leaves Istana Negara.
Meanwhile, PKR supporters have increased to about 70. There is no untoward incident as they just gather at the road shoulder and occasionally shout "Reformasi".
Some sarcastically say "bye Gombak" and "bye Ampang" when videographers record their acts.
They were referring to ousted Gombak MP Azmin Ali and Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Pagoh MP Muhyiddin Yassin left Istana Negara about 20 minutes ago.
Anwar celebrates 40th wedding anniversary with Wan Azizah
11am: Amidst all the political uncertainty and angst, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim celebrates his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
In a sweet Twitter post to Wan Azizah, the former deputy prime minister, Anwar writes: “40 years of kindness. 40 years of courage. 40 years of loyalty. 40 years of strength."
In an earlier posting, the Port Dickson lawmaker shared images of the couple cutting a cake for the occasion.
The posts already receive over 2,000 shares.
40 years of kindness.
40 years of courage.
40 years of loyalty.
40 years of strength.
Through thick & thin, I am everything I am today because of the love of my life & the grace of Allah.
Happy Anniversary @drwanazizah & may He grant us many more years together.
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Supporters want Malacca MB to stay on
11.00am: More than 100 people gather today to express their support for Adly Zahari to continue as Malacca chief minister.
The participants are mainly members and representatives from political parties and NGOs, reports Sin Chew Daily.
Adly greets the group when he arrives at his office to carry out his work as usual, including holding a state executive council meeting today.
Speaking to media later, he urges his supporters to remain calm.
Adly says he will meet Yang di-Pertua Negeri Mohd Khalil Yaakob today.
State executive council member Ginie Lim, who is seen to align with former PKR leader Azmin Ali, is among those at the gathering.
Double-decker bus ferries PKR lawmakers to Istana
10.35am: Istana Negara - A "hop-on, hop-off" double-decker bus ferrying PKR MPs arrives at Istana Negara.
About 30 PKR supporters approach the bus to express their support.
Some MPs are seen waving to the supporters and media members. They include Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah, Setia Wangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Selayang MP William Leong and Balik Pulau MP Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik.
The entourage includes about 10 cars.
Five minutes earlier, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is seen leaving Istana Negara in his Perodua Myvi car.
It is Harapan's job to rise again - Mujahid
10.30am: Amanah vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa expresses hope that the Pakatan Harapan parties will again take charge in Putrajaya.
"End game? (We are) waiting for the second snap of the finger to instal hope," he says while putting up an image of comic character Thanos snapping his fingers.
In another tweet, the former de facto Islamic affairs minister says the new deal for Malaysia is still intact.
He urges Harapan not to blame enemies as their job is to tear the coalition apart and it is the job for Harapan to rise again.
It's free! Milo, Saji and power banks from Xiaomi
10.30am: After given free meals and snacks by Yang di-Pertuan Agong and private entities for the past two days, media members this morning enjoy beverages from Milo and Saji, as well as free power banks from Xiaomi.
Umno must never be allowed to rule again - Patriot
10am: Armed forces and police veterans group Patriot says Pakatan Harapan, or what is left of the once ruling coalition, should be allowed to form the new government.
“It appears that Harapan, now comprising PKR, DAP and Amanah, is the current most united group and having the most number of MPs compared to other groups.
“Patriot implores MPs from Bersatu, Warisan and Gabungan Parti Sarawak, those with principles, join Harapan and help form the government,” its president Mohamed Arshad Raji says in a statement.
The group stresses that fresh polls should be avoided at all costs and deems calls for it by Umno and PAS to be “selfish”.
“A general election at this time will send our economy to a tailspin and hasten an economic recession.
“Umno that had sabotaged our economy and nearly brought our nation to ruins must not be allowed to rule again," he says.
Maszlee Malik, Muhyiddin Yassin arrive at Istana Negara
9.50am - Bersatu Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik arrives at Istana Negara in his white car at 9.43am.
He gets off his car and passes two boxes of beverages for the media before entering the palace.
“The Parliament system in Malaysia is still functioning and this proves the importance of the royal institution in safeguarding parliamentary democracy in Malaysia.
"What happened yesterday, today and tomorrow will become a significant moment to be remembered for generations in Malaysia," he tells the media.
Five minutes later, Bersatu's Pagoh MP Muhyiddin Yassin arrives.
PKR supporters gather outside palace
9.48am, Istana Negara - PKR supporters gather not far from the palace.
The group numbering around 30 are gathered some 150m away from the palace gates.
Shouts of "Reformasi" are heard.
Zuraida denies Azmin orchestrated Harapan breakup
9.30am: Zuraida Kamaruddin denies that expelled PKR leader Azmin Ali (photo) had orchestrated the breakup of Pakatan Harapan government.
"No," she says in a text message, responding to The Malaysian Insight report which quoted sources as saying Azmin and Bersatu MP Zainuddin Hamzah played on Bersatu's fear to get the party out of Harapan.
“They played on the fears of some supreme council members and lured them with government positions if they formed a new government with Umno and PAS.
“They said a Bersatu-Umno-PAS government would restore ketuanan Melayu, adding that this was a way to oust DAP from the government.
“On top of that, they said that this was a way to stop PKR president Anwar Ibrahim from becoming the next prime minister," the report says, quoting sources.
Zuraida, however, does not explain the role played by Azmin.
Second batch of MPs to seek audience with Agong today
9.15am: Istana Negara - The second batch of MPs is expected to seek an audience with Agong today.
As there are many media personnel and police officers gathering in front of Istana Negara, food and beverages trucks are setting up, including Milo and Saji cooking oil.
MPs from Umno, PAS, and GPS had an audience with Agong yesterday, while the remaining MPs are expected to meet with the King one by one today, including those from DAP, Amanah, Bersatu, Warisan and the eleven who abandoned PKR to form a new independent bloc.
'Was it Umno that asked PM to resign, Bersatu to leave?'
8.40am: Former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak defends his party against accusations that it has a hand in the current national political crisis.
Instead, he joins his party’s chorus for Parliament to be dissolved and for a snap general election to be called.
In a Facebook posting, Najib questions if it was Umno that asked Bersatu to exit Pakatan Harapan.
“(Was it) Umno that asked the seventh PM (prime minister) to resign PM and Bersatu posts?“(Was it) Umno that asked PKR to expel leaders that supported the seventh PM?“(Was it) Umno that asked leaders to exit PKR? No, right? Please la. The rakyat is tired... dissolve Parliament,” he posts.
In an earlier posting, the former prime minister takes a dig at Amanah strategic communications chief Khalid Samad for saying fresh polls would be a waste of money.
“Still remember these three elections? Permatang Pauh, Kajang, Port Dickson. Elections are a waste (of money) (Kha)Lid?” Najib adds in his posting last night. The three by-elections stated were won by Pakatan Harapan.
Hishammuddin denies he will quit Umno
8.00am: Former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein denies that he would quit the party and reiterates his undivided loyalty for Umno and BN.
"Don't believe any speculation spread by some of the parties out there. My position has been consistent all along," he says in a Facebook posting last night.
Taking to social media today, Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa says there was an ongoing attempt to split the party.
"(They) tried to create doubts against Hishammuddin, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Najib Abdul Razak and others," Annuar says.
However, he points out, all Umno MPs and BN MPs remained faithful to their parties and to the coalition.
"We will continue our role as the opposition, even though Pakatan Harapan has collapsed," he adds.
Ambiga backs formation of unity gov’t
7.50am: Former Bersih chairperson S Ambiga (photo) agrees that the formation of a unity government could help resolve the political mess that the country is facing.
"I am a proponent of unity government or cabinet when stability is needed. We need it.
"That requires everyone to cooperate in the interests of the people. There are different models and am sure it is possible to configure something that is suitable," she says.
Concurring, former foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah, who is one of PKR leaders who left the party on Monday, says the people need more information on the matter.
"I think we need to hear it from @chedetofficial (Mahathir). What is the substance? Maybe (it is) not the unity government that we heard before (as stated by others).
"If it is about a cabinet formation that is not based on party composition, then it is a fresh idea that deserves our support," tweets the former Harapan chief secretary.
Speculation is rife that Mahathir was thinking of establishing a "unity government", albeit with terms the BN and PAS could not agree, leading to both parties withdrawing their support for the nonagenarian yesterday.
Liew denies Warisan was part of plot to form backdoor gov't
7.30am: Warisan permanent chairperson Liew Vui Keong denies his party was part of the attempt to form a backdoor government.
Taking to the social media, he says none of the Warisan parliamentarians appeared at Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel on Feb 23 – the day of the expected coup.
"The sodomy team lied and fabricated their news in their backside-entry project," he says without mincing his words in his posting. However, he does not name those he is referring to.
Warisan leader and Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal was spotted at Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday, the day when leaders of opposition parties Umno and PAS as well as Bersatu held a gathering at Sheraton PJ.
"For the record, I am not going to work with the liar, thief and robber of the country. I'll never want to associate myself with them. It's all right if there is no position and others take up the post.
"To me, integrity counts and the best interests and welfare of the people are of utmost importance," says Liew (above).
Day 4 - the fall of Pakatan Harapan gov't
7.20am: It's Day 4 since the country plunged into political uncertainty following a "coup" attempt on Sunday.
However, an end appears to be in sight.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is meeting with Bersatu and Pakatan Harapan lawmakers today in an effort to gauge whether a government can be formed.
Umno and PAS have demanded snap elections after U-turning on their support for interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, but this can be avoided if the latter secures majority support.
Harapan leaders have kept mum on what they will tell the King, but thus far there is no indication they will deviate from backing Mahathir.
It is unclear, however, whether the King will make a decision today.
Expect more political movements as the day progresses. - Mkini
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