PM: I'm not a traitor, I only wanted to save the country (updated)

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic) says he is not a traitor and only accepted the premiership because he wanted to save Malaysia from the political turmoil engulfing the country.

In his first-ever televised message as premier on Monday (March 2), he said he had no ambition to become prime minister but stepped up in order to resolve the situation.

"I deliberated about it for a long time before making a decision," he said.

He added that he accepted the responsibility in order to avoid the dissolution of Parliament and to prevent the political turmoil from being drawn out any further.

He said he was aware that Malaysians wanted a caring government that would find quick solutions to the problems faced by the rakyat.

"I am the Prime Minister for all Malaysians – from Perlis to Sabah," he said.

Muhyiddin also vowed to choose a Cabinet of individuals who were clean, had integrity and were of high calibre.

He said the new Government would prioritise efforts to increase integrity and good governance, including the fight against corruption and abuse of power.

Muhyiddin asked the rakyat for their united support for him to utilise his 40 years of political and governmental experience to steer the nation to success.

"I offer my heart and soul to the nation," he said.

Muhyiddin also asked for some time to determine the right direction of the Government and the country.

He also thanked former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his service to the country.