In a live press conference today (13 August), Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that he will make a commitment that the 15th General Election will be held latest by July 2022, depending on the seriousness of the pandemic.
“I do not intend to hold on to power,” he said.
“In this situation, it is appropriate to return the mandate to the people to elect a new government when the time is more appropriate.”
Muhyiddin also said in his speech that while he and his cabinet are struggling to handle the pandemic, some MPs have unfortunately withdrawn support for him.
“This raises doubts about my legitimacy as Prime Minister and the position of the Perikatan Nasional Government as the ruling government,” he said.
“In this situation, I have two options according to the Federal Constitution. I may seek the consent of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament and hold elections or resign.”
“My easiest option is to resign.”
“If I make this decision, then my business is settled and it is up to the wisdom of His Majesty to elect a new Prime Minister.”
“The King may appoint a Prime Minister from among the Members of the House of Representatives who, in his opinion, may gain the confidence of the majority of the Members of the House of Representatives.”
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