Malaysia PM Muhyiddin still commands majority support despite Umno’s exit, says Bersatu deputy president

KUALA LUMPUR — Bersatu still commands majority support from Members of Parliament (MPs) despite the United Malays National Organisation's (Umno) exit from Perikatan Nasional (PN), Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu said on Thursday (July 8).  

The MP for Tambun was reported saying by The Star newspaper that the party has not been shaken by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announcement on Wednesday night. 

Mr Ahmad Faizal pointed out that Mr Muhyiddin Yassin was appointed prime minister based on the support of MPs, and not parties. Thus, Umno retracting its support did not carry much weight. 

“Perikatan, namely Bersatu, is not shaken by the statement of the Umno president last night," he was quoted as saying by The Star. “I am curious as to what really took place during the Umno supreme council meeting as I believe Umno’s top leadership wants to work with Perikatan and they are responsible leaders."

He added: “When the time comes in parliament, it will be proven to the rakyat that Perikatan still has the majority support of the MPs and Muhyiddin still has the mandate to be the prime minister.

“If people like Ahmad Zahid declare they are not supporting Muhyiddin, they must be supporting someone else."

The former Perak mentri besar also claimed that some of Umno’s MPs still support Mr Muhyiddin, but did not want to declare publicly. 

He urged all politicians to focus on helping the people face the Covid-19 pandemic instead of politicising the current issue. 

On Wednesday night, the Umno supreme council meeting concluded with an agreement for the party to withdraw its support for Mr Muhyiddin.  

Mr Ahmad Zahid said the withdrawal of support came because PN had failed to fulfill seven requirements outlined by the Umno secretary when it was sworn in on March 11 last year as part of the Perikatan government. MALAY MAIL