PETALING JAYA: There is no need for me to resign as I have the support from the majority of the MPs, and I will prove it in the next Parliament meeting, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He also stated that until the motion of confidence is tabled in September, the government will continue to manage the pandemic with continued vaccination programmes and fulfil all its promises to the people.
In a live telecast from Putrajaya yesterday following an audience with the King earlier in the morning, Muhyiddin was seen with his deputy, senior ministers and ministers from all component parties of Perikatan Nasional.
The Prime Minister also apologised to the rakyat that he had to address questions over the legitimacy of his leadership during the pandemic but said he was compelled to do so by individuals whom he refused to help with their legal challenges.
“I apologise that as our country is facing the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, I am forced to explain the position of the Perikatan Nasional government and my legitimacy as the Prime Minister.
“I received a letter from the King on Aug 3 that eight Umno MPs had written to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker saying they were withdrawing their support for me.
“In the King’s letter, he mentioned two provisions from the Federal Constitution.
“Firstly, Article 43 stated that the King must first appoint a Prime Minister by picking an MP whom he believes has the command of the majority of Dewan Rakyat members.
“Secondly, Article 43 in which it was stated that if the Prime Minister does not have the confidence of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat members, the Prime Minister must then resign unless the parliament is dissolved by the King upon the former’s request.
“I was therefore asked to meet him, and in my audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, I informed him that I have received a number of statutory declarations from MPs which convinced me that I have the confidence of the majority of the MPs.
“Therefore, the question of my resignation does not arise.
“However, I realise that my position as Prime Minister is often questioned.
“I informed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong that I will prove my legitimacy in Parliament through a motion of confidence when Dewan Rakyat is in session in September.
“The King has agreed to my proposal to do so then,” said Muhyiddin, who also took a swipe at those who questioned his legitimacy.
“I know that there are those who are unhappy with my insistence in not giving in to their demands.
“This includes demands for me to interfere in judicial matters to free a few individuals facing charges.
“I was also accused of being disloyal to the King when all that I did was to uphold the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and the sanctity of the constitutional monarchy.
“I will not sacrifice my principles and turn my back on my oath as the Prime Minister that I will fulfil all my responsibilities honestly, with loyalty to King and country, while protecting and upholding the Constitution,” said Muhyiddin.
He further stated that the Cabinet and the government machinery will continue to function, and no plans will be interrupted.
“I will ensure that the vaccination programmes run as scheduled.
The assistance announced by the government for the people will also not be interrupted.
“I call upon all civil servants, especially the frontliners, to stay strong in their duties and responsibilities and not be perturbed by the political chaos created by certain quarters,” said Muhyiddin.
His announcement came one day after Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that a number of Umno MPs and the party have retracted their support for the Perikatan government and Muhyiddin as the Prime Minister.
It was claimed that 11 Umno MPs have signed statutory declarations retracting their support for Muhyiddin, while the bulk of the 40 Barisan Nasional MPs have yet to make their stand public.
