Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has urged all Cabinet members to throw their support behind Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin or resign from their positions.
Reminding them of their perks, he issued the same warning to deputy ministers, heads of government-linked companies (GLCs) and Perikatan Nasional MPs.
This came after PKR President Anwar Ibrahim claimed to have secured the support of several government MPs to obtain a “solid” majority to be the next prime minister.
In a statement today, Hishammuddin rubbished Anwar’s claim as “propaganda” but urged caution on PN’s part.
“No matter how uncertain this becomes, all cabinet members and government MPs must give solid support to the prime minister.
“Let us not be those who have become important parts of the government and enjoy the advantages gained (from being in this position), and yet not support the leadership.
“This must be a reminder to all ministers, deputy ministers and appointed GLC chiefs,” he said.
“However, if any members of the government are adamant in not supporting the government of the day, they should withdraw from the government. We should focus our efforts on rebuilding the country and not on detrimental political drama,” he warned.
Yesterday, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed that “many” Umno and BN MPs supported Anwar but did not detail how many.
Hishammuddin urged his fellow Umno MPs to ignore Anwar and be wary of backing him.
“Umno needs to be careful with Anwar’s tactics and realise the danger in supporting Anwar.
“This will only allow DAP the opportunity to become more powerful in the country, harming the interests of religion, race and country that we have been fighting for all this while,” the Sembrong lawmaker cautioned.
‘Majority’ claim a distraction, gimmick
Hishammuddin further opined that Anwar’s claim was to “distract” from the ongoing Sabah election campaign.
Polling day is this Saturday.
In a separate statement, Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu also dismissed the opposition leader’s move as a “political gimmick”.
He assured that all 31 Bersatu MPs were behind party president Muhyiddin.
“All Bersatu MPs have declared their full support for the prime minister to continue leading the country,” he said.
Criticising Anwar for mounting a counter-coup during the Covid-19 pandemic, Faizal challenged him to properly prove his majority.
The Federal Constitution stipulates that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong is to appoint as prime minister the MP who in his judgement is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the 222 MPs.
Should a prime minister lose support, it is also up to the ruler whether to request the premier to resign or to dissolve parliament.
Muhyiddin yesterday stressed he was still in power and challenged Anwar to prove his claim.
Anwar has thus far declined to reveal the exact number of MPs on his side, explaining that this information was reserved for the Agong’s ears.
- Mkini
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