Dr M: Elections must be called if no solution to majority deadlock

 

A failure by Parliament to resolve the current political impasse on Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s majority to form a government will leave the next decision in the hands of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

Speaking at an online press conference, the Pejuang chairperson said any deadlock in Parliament should have been resolved through calling for a general election.

He, however, admitted that there would be constraints to do so due to the pandemic, likely leaving the decision to be made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Under normal circumstances, we will have a general election.

“Under these unusual circumstances, it will be up to the king to decide, just like (when) the Agong appointed me the interim prime minister,” said Mahathir in reference to his resignation as premier when leading the previous Pakatan Harapan administration.

On whether Pejuang is prepared to support a minority government, Mahathir said the party would accept any decision made by the Agong, taking into account constraints over calling for a general election.

He also insisted that Muhyiddin had lost majority support and urged for the next Dewan Rakyat session, scheduled in September with a motion for a vote of confidence, to be expedited.

“What we believe is that, right now, he has no majority. So how can he remain the prime minister?

“We know (more than) eight Umno members have pulled their support, so he has no majority. By right, he should have a parliamentary meeting now so we can decide once and for all if he has a majority,” he said.

Quizzed on his stand if Muhyiddin was to be replaced by an Umno prime minister, Mahathir said: “Right now, we only want to state that Muhyiddin does not have a majority.”

“On the question of who will be appointed as his replacement, that is a separate question that can be determined by Parliament,” he said.

Mahathir also said Pejuang MPs in Parliament have so far remained in a separate bloc from Harapan and other opposition parties.

He had on Monday joined over 100 opposition MPs who marched in protest against Parliament’s suspension following the detection of 11 Covid-19 cases within the premises last week.

Muhyiddin yesterday announced that he would allow lawmakers to decide on his fate when Parliament convenes next month.

This led to allegations that the prime minister would use the window to garner support for himself through underhanded measures.

Muhyiddin’s political rivals, including Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, demanded that the Parliament sitting be held now to determine if the prime minister still has majority support in Dewan Rakyat. - Mkini