Govt still has majority support, says DPM as Zahid, Anwar step up ‘derhaka’ calls

Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob says the government remains in power with the support of 110 MPs despite incessant calls from opposition MPs for Muhyiddin Yassin to vacate his post following a royal rebuke today.

“The country’s political situation is unstable and could undermine efforts to solve economic problems and combat the Covid-19 pandemic,” Ismail, the chief whip for the backbenchers, said in a statement following the decision to postpone the special sitting of the Dewan Rakyat.

“I would like to stress that the government still has the support of more than 110 MPs who remain with the government today.”

Ismail’s statement came as his party boss, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, urged MPs to revoke support for Muhyiddin in keeping with an earlier decision by the party.

Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim called for the same, saying Muhyiddin, law minister Takiyuddin Hassan and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Harun should resign for committing “derhaka” or treachery against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

This followed a statement from the palace today, expressing disappointment with the government for announcing the annulment of emergency ordinances without first getting royal consent.

Anwar at a press conference later slammed Ismail for his statement, saying it was disrespectful of the Agong.

“He is a minister. He is a son of Pahang. Does he know what is derhaka? Does he know what is a royal statement? Does he understand the role of Parliament?” the PKR president said.

Separately, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man reiterated his party’s support for Muhyiddin and the Perikatan Nasional government.

“PAS stands firmly with the prime minister in supporting all decisions made by the Cabinet,” he said in a statement.

“PAS calls upon all quarters to remain united and to stop politicking in managing the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Political stability and the people’s unity are critical in facing the threat of the pandemic,” said Tuan Ibrahim.