Can nation handle more problems if govt changes, asks Muhyiddin

 

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has indicated that a change of government at this juncture could do more harm to the nation.

The Bersatu president, whose political rivals claim has lost majority support, was commenting on the tabling of a motion of confidence against him during next month's Parliament sitting.

Though confident that he still has the numbers, Muhyiddin, however, said the country's current situation and problems must be taken into consideration.

“Can the country handle more problems should there be a change (of government) or political chaos?” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

“I am not anticipating that... but it may affect the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and other efforts such as the vaccination programme,” he added.

However, Muhyiddin, who was speaking to reporters at the Sungai Raya district office in Muar, Johor, said he would leave it to the discretion of the MPs to decide the best thing to do.

The premier said the move to table the motion of confidence received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“I want to reiterate that I had an audience with the king which lasted almost an hour a few days ago.

“Many issues were discussed during the meeting, including whether I have sufficient support. I am confident that until today, I still have it (majority support) despite the announcement made by certain quarters allegedly withdrawing their support for me.

“Things are not always what they seem. This is a political issue and that is why His Majesty consented to it (to be brought to Parliament),” he added.

Earlier, the prime minister presented food baskets and fresh food to village heads in his Pagoh constituency to be distributed to the local communities.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and party lawmakers aligned with him as well as opposition lawmakers have demanded that Parliament sits immediately to vote on the motion of confidence.

Yesterday, Zahid insinuated that the prime minister might use the carrot and stick approach to bolster his support before the September sitting.

Muhyiddin, who became prime minister following a political coup, has come under intense criticism for failing to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, which has claimed more than 10,000 lives in Malaysia.

Previously, his administration pushed for an emergency declaration to battle the pandemic, which also led to the suspension of Parliament.

Detractors accused the premier of using the emergency to stall attempts to put his tenuous majority to the test in the Lower House. - Mkini