After Agong’s reminder, Mat Sabu calls for change of govt, then retracts

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu today called for the resignation of Muhyiddin Yassin to make way for a new government, only to later retract his statement.

The statement was originally posted on the Amanah Facebook page, less than an hour after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong praised the prime minister for his handling of the Covid-19 crisis.

“We demand that Muhyiddin Yassin resign honourably.

“MPs from different parties will seek the best way to form a government and save Malaysia and the people,” Mohamad, the former defence minister who is part of Pakatan Harapan, said in the statement.

Moments later, Amanah said the president had retracted the statement.

In a revised statement, Mohamad, popularly known as Mat Sabu, said he believed the Agong had acted with wisdom in deciding not to declare a state of emergency.

“Amanah heeds His Majesty’s command and will support all efforts to fight Covid-19, and promises to cooperate wholeheartedly,” he added.

Mohamad’s statement came despite a warning by Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah today against attempts to disrupt the government in its battle against Covid-19.

The ruler said he felt there was no need to declare a state of emergency to help authorities in efforts to fight Covid-19, saying Muhyiddin’s administration had so far done a good job of battling the deadly pandemic.

“That being the case, His Majesty would like to remind politicians to immediately cease all politicking that will disrupt the stability of the nation’s administration,” said a statement released by Istana Negara, shortly after a meeting of Malay rulers to discuss a proposal to declare an emergency in order to prevent snap polls.

Sultan Abdullah also reminded MPs that the budget to be tabled on Nov 6 was critical to restoring the economy ravaged by Covid-19.

“The financial allocations are much needed by the frontliners to ensure the smooth execution of their duties and responsibilities,” he said.

MalaysiaNow earlier reported that senior health officials had warned against any move to hold a general election during the pandemic, which has so far claimed 229 lives.

There are fears that any attempt to vote down the 2021 budget, to be tabled by Muhyiddin next month, could result in the collapse of the government and snap polls being called.