Barisan MPs gather at PWTC after King's no emergency decision

Full backing: Muhyiddin (left) has the support of all Barisan and Umno MPs, according to Ahmad Zahid (right).

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional MPs have gathered at PWTC for a meeting following Yang di-Pertuan Agong's announcement on Sunday (Oct 25) that there was no need to declare a state of emergency in the country.

It was learned that the lawmakers, who began arriving for the meeting around noon, would discuss the latest developments including support for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's administration.

Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic), who was also attending, said the meeting would allow MPs to raise questions over "any issues".

Padang Rengas MP Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz confirmed the meeting, saying the meeting would discuss, among others, Umno's relations and cooperation with Perikatan Nasional.

"I will support the party leadership despite the outcome of the meeting," he said when contacted.

Padang Besar MP Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, who was among those attending, said the meeting was to discuss recent political developments and Perikatan's attempt for an emergency declaration.

However, Zahidi, who is also Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister, noted that Umno and Barisan remained committed towards Muhyiddin.

It was learned that the meeting was a pre-council meeting involving Barisan MPs to discuss matters before the start of Dewan Rakyat on Nov 2.

Also seen arriving for the meeting were former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and stalwart Umno lawmaker Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh who have been critical of Muhyiddin's administration.

Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who is under quarantine, will not be attending the meeting.

The meeting comes at the backdrop of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah's announcement on Sunday that there was no need to declare a state of emergency in the country amidst the Covid-19 pandemic after consulting the Malay Rulers.

The King also reminded all politicians, particularly lawmakers, to immediately put a stop to all forms of politicking that could disrupt the stability of the country, adding that he had confidence in the current administration in dealing with Covid-19.

On Friday (Oct 23), Muhyiddin and several ministers presented the King with a proposed plan to declare a state of emergency.

It was learned that leaders of Perikatan Nasional and Muafakat Nasional parties had met Muhyiddin prior to his meeting with the King.

Talk has been rife recently on social media that Muhyiddin no longer commands the majority in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat following attempts to oust him.

This comes after PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent claims of having a "strong and convincing" support to take over the government.

This is also coupled by recent notices of motions of no confidence against the Prime Minister submitted by five former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia lawmakers including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and several Parti Amanah Negara MPs before the start of Dewan Rakyat this Nov 2.