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Umno revokes support for Muhyiddin, calls for interim PM

It is not clear whether the decision by Umno will obtain the support of its MPs, who have so far resisted attempts by Zahid to have them vacate their Cabinet posts.

Staff Writers
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Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi waves as he leaves the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur after the party's general assembly on March 28.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi waves as he leaves the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur after the party's general assembly on March 28.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today announced an immediate revocation of the party’s support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, saying he has failed to fulfil several conditions as the basis of its support for the Perikatan Nasional government.

“Umno urges Muhyiddin to step down gracefully and to allow a new prime minister for a limited term,” Zahid said after chairing a Supreme Council meeting tonight.

It is not clear whether the decision by Umno will obtain the support of its MPs, who have so far resisted attempts by Zahid to have them vacate their Cabinet posts.

Giving his justification for the decision, Zahid claimed the government had failed to manage the Covid-19 crisis, accusing it of using the virus emergency for its political benefit at the cost of the country’s economy.

Zahid said the government had also failed to uphold democratic practices, and to effectively distribute aid to the people.

“The failure of the government, which should have given the people the confidence and trust in managing their welfare, has led to serious social problems such as suicides,” he said.

Zahid, who had backed Anwar Ibrahim’s bid to topple Muhyiddin, also said the Umno leadership had resolved not to align itself with the PKR leader or Pakatan Harapan.

He said the government had also snubbed repeated calls by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to convene Parliament, adding that it was an affront to the Malay rulers and, as such, went against the Umno constitution to defend the royal institution.