Govt is intact with 110 MPs, ministers urge Muhyiddin not to resign

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has assured the present Perikatan Nasional government is still intact and has the support of more than 110 Members of Parliament.

Ismail, who’s the chief whip for government MPs, also said the present political situation is too volatile and has the potential to undermine the government’s efforts in battling Covid-19 and improving the economy.

“I want to stress the government still enjoys the support of more than 110 MPs who are still with the government of the day.

“Therefore, I hope the people will be calm in facing this situation and let’s hope for this political impasse to end immediately,” he said in a statement yesterday.

In a separate statement, PAS said the party would stand by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and support all Cabinet decisions.

Its deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man called on all political leaders to be united and put aside politicking amid ongoing efforts to battle the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Political stability and the people’s unity are very much needed in facing the threats of the pandemic,” he said.

Opposition MPs have since called for Muhyiddin to resign as prime minister in order to solve the current political impasse.

Backbencher MPs meanwhile were against Muhyiddin resigning as prime minister, citing urgent need to focus on the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic fallout.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof said it was unnecessary for Muhyiddin to resign.

“Why should he resign? People hungry for power are trying to take advantage,” said Mohd Redzuan when met at Parliament.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Industry minister Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi also expressed similar sentiments, saying that he was confident that Muhyiddin enjoyed the support of more than 110 MPs.

“I don’t see why the Prime Minister has to resign. I’m confident he still has his majority which is more than 110 MPs.

“I stand firm behind the Prime Minister,” said Che Abdullah briefly in a text message.

The King had expressed great disappointment with the government’s decision to revoke six Emergency Ordinances without his consent.

The King also expressed dismay that the revocation of the ordinances was not presented in Parliament by the government.