Muhyiddin weighing options as premiership on the brink
But, it’s game over if Agong tells him to step down
Istana Negara is of the impression that with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s loss of a majority, the Agong is no longer bound to accept his advice, says a source. – Bernama pic, August 11, 2021
KUALA LUMPUR – As Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s days as prime minister seem to be numbered, the Bersatu president is weighing his options.
One is potentially relinquishing his post as prime minister of the Perikatan Nasional government. This will help salvage a little of his legacy.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today raised Muhyiddin’s lack of majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
It is understood that this conversation is documented in a letter from the king to Muhyiddin.
If that letter informs the embattled prime minister that in His Majesty’s view, it is only right that he should offer his resignation, then Muhyiddin will need to comply with the Agong’s wishes.
This is consistent with Article 43(4) of the federal constitution, which stipulates that the prime minister shall tender his resignation if he ceases to command the confidence of the House, or advises the king to dissolve Parliament and make way for an election.
A source privy to the matter added that Istana Negara is of the impression that with Muhyiddin’s loss of a majority, the Agong is no longer bound to accept his advice.
At today’s cabinet meeting, following his weekly audience with His Majesty, Muhyiddin is said to have announced his intention to resign amid pressure from various quarters and following his falling out with the palace.
The same message was apparently delivered to PN leaders as they met at the prime minister’s office this evening.
However, insiders said cabinet members persuaded him to stay on and that he should test his legitimacy in Parliament, as was previously decided.
Muhyiddin last week said he will allow a vote of confidence to determine his majority when the lower house reconvenes next month.
But with mounting pressure, the prime minister is believed to be considering bringing forward the confidence vote to as early as next week.
KUALA LUMPUR – As Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s days as prime minister seem to be numbered, the Bersatu president is weighing his options.
One is potentially relinquishing his post as prime minister of the Perikatan Nasional government. This will help salvage a little of his legacy.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today raised Muhyiddin’s lack of majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
It is understood that this conversation is documented in a letter from the king to Muhyiddin.
If that letter informs the embattled prime minister that in His Majesty’s view, it is only right that he should offer his resignation, then Muhyiddin will need to comply with the Agong’s wishes.
This is consistent with Article 43(4) of the federal constitution, which stipulates that the prime minister shall tender his resignation if he ceases to command the confidence of the House, or advises the king to dissolve Parliament and make way for an election.
A source privy to the matter added that Istana Negara is of the impression that with Muhyiddin’s loss of a majority, the Agong is no longer bound to accept his advice.
At today’s cabinet meeting, following his weekly audience with His Majesty, Muhyiddin is said to have announced his intention to resign amid pressure from various quarters and following his falling out with the palace.
The same message was apparently delivered to PN leaders as they met at the prime minister’s office this evening.
However, insiders said cabinet members persuaded him to stay on and that he should test his legitimacy in Parliament, as was previously decided.
Muhyiddin last week said he will allow a vote of confidence to determine his majority when the lower house reconvenes next month.
But with mounting pressure, the prime minister is believed to be considering bringing forward the confidence vote to as early as next week.
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