The current government of Muhyiddin Yassin is likely to survive until the next general election as the prime minister has “converted” some of Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s supporters to his cause by offering “sweets” such as minister posts, claims the former premier.
“It can last until the GE (which does not have to be held until 2023). Now that he (Muhyiddin) has become the prime minister, he can give a lot of sweets to many people.
“I found that some of my supporters are now appointed ministers, so they moved there,” said Mahathir (above) in an exclusive interview with Malay daily Sinar Harian.
“We used to have 114 seats but now that number is less. So even if we want to bring a motion of no confidence in the Dewan Rakyat, it is impossible. The reason is that he has taken my people to his side.
“Of course when he offers to be a minister, it's hard for people to refuse. I cannot offer you anything,” said Mahathir who was speaking in his first formal media interview since his shock resignation as prime minister on Feb 24.
Mahathir and Muhyiddin were the dominant figures in the Umno splinter party Bersatu which stormed to victory in the May 2018 election as part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
However, promises of a handover of power to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim never materialised as both Bersatu and PKR split over the issue.
When the dust settled, Muhyiddin had crossed over to form a new Perikatan Nasional government with Umno, PAS and smaller parties.
The Dewan Rakyat session initially scheduled for March 9 was pushed back to May 18, scuppering plans for a quick no-confidence vote and Muhyiddin’s new cabinet has been announced and sworn in this week. - Mkini
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