Blame yourself, not me or Perikatan, says Muhyiddin

Muhyiddin speaking to reporters after a briefing with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday (Oct 11).

KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic) says it was irresponsible for caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to accuse him and Perikatan Nasional ministers for making the government untenable and forcing the dissolution of Parliament, saying the latter only has himself to blame over the matter.

The Perikatan chairman said Ismail Sabri, who is Umno vice-president, resorted to finger pointing after the backlash Umno received from the people who were upset the election was called during the flood season.

He said Perikatan had only asked if it was possible that the election was not held at this time, adding they were only voicing the people’s views.

"I think it’s very much irresponsible for the (caretaker) prime minister to put the blame on me or members of the Cabinet for what they are facing now," he said to reporters after a briefing with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Sabah office here on Tuesday night (Oct 11).

"This (blame) is because they are facing severe attack and anger from the public at large.

"You have to blame yourself. You have to bear the burden of the people who are unhappy.

"We are just being responsible in looking after people’s well-being," Muhyiddin added.

Ismail Sabri had earlier on Tuesday (Oct 11) blamed Muhyiddin and the 12 Perikatan ministers in the Cabinet for making the government untenable and forcing him to dissolve Parliament.

In a statement, he cited the 12 ministers’ letter to the King to state their stand against holding the next general election (GE15) this year, and Muhyiddin’s declaration of Barisan Nasional as Perikatan’s enemy at the polls.

Muhyiddin, he said, had caused splits in the government, when Perikatan was a member of his administration.

In response, Muhyiddin claimed that he actually had an agreement with Ismail Sabri when the latter became prime, adding one of the conditions was for Ismail Sabri to discuss with Perikatan leaders over the dissolution of Parliament.

"Why we asked that was because we were the biggest component in the government.

"So, its not fair when everyone is attacking them, they are now blaming Muhyiddin or the ministers.

"I think they cannot blame anybody, it’s them who are responsible for that," he said, adding there was no point in arguing as the King has consented to the dissolution of Parliament.