PM: Some want me to interfere in court proceedings

 

Embattled Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that his critics are "uncomfortable" with him because he refused to accede to their demands, including interfering with the courts.

"This includes appeals for me to interfere in court matters to free several individuals who are being charged over criminal acts," said Muhyiddin during a televised address today.

Muhyiddin did not name these individuals.

Among the 11 MPs who publicly revolted against Muhyiddin yesterday, there are four Umno MPs facing criminal trials:

1. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Bagan Datuk)
2. Najib Abdul Razak (Pekan)
3. Azeez Abdul Rahim (Baling)
4. Ahmad Maslan (Pontian)

Of the four, Najib has been convicted and handed a 12-year jail sentence. He is appealing the verdict.

Muhyiddin's televised address today followed his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this morning. Muhyiddin reassured that he was still the prime minister and will prove his legitimacy when Parliament reconvenes in September.

He was flanked by nine ministers representing allied political entities - MCA, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Umno (Ismail Sabri Yaakob's faction), Bersatu, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, MIC and PAS.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin brushed off allegations of "derhaka" (treason), stressing that his actions were meant to defend the Federal Constitution and the constitutional monarchy system.

"I will not sacrifice my principles and neglect my oath of office to fulfil all my obligations with honesty, loyalty to King and country while preserving, protecting and defending the constitution," he said.

Muhyiddin’s administration has been accused of derhaka after failing to heed the Agong's decree to have the emergency ordinances (EO) annulled through Parliament to fulfil Article 150(3) of the Federal Constitution.

Instead, the government insisted that the Agong had to act on advice of the cabinet to fulfil Article 40 of the Federal Constitution.

Eventually, the administration relented and promised that the EO would be annulled through Parliament, also in September. - Mkini