The National Palace confirmed yesterday that opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is currently seeking to form a new government, was scheduled to meet with the king on Tuesday. But that meeting has been postponed due to the king’s poor health.
Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was taken to hospital on the same day he was due to meet Anwar and is currently seeking treatment at the National Heart Institute. Anwar said yesterday he was going to inform the king that he had majority support from parliament to form a new government and oust Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
“The meeting between Anwar Ibrahim, his wife Wan Azizah, and the King on Tuesday, Sept. 22 has been postponed due to Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s ill health,” the statement by the palace said. “For now, the King will continue to be monitored by medical professionals at the National Heart Institute.”
Anwar, who is the leader of the People’s Justice Party (PKR), did not disclose the number of parliamentary members who were on his side, but 42 people from the Democratic Action Party have declared support for Anwar’s leadership. Anwar, accompanied by his wife Wan Azizah and former minister Saifuddin Nasution, even said at a surprise press conference yesterday that Muhyiddin had “fallen.”
“I have received convincing support from Members of Parliament for me to present to His Majesty the Yang Dipertuan Agong,” Anwar said. “With a clear and indisputable support and majority behind me, the government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has fallen.”
Muhyiddin has hit back at Anwar’s “meaningless claims,” adding that official processes should be followed.
“I am aware that Anwar Ibrahim has said that he has the majority support of the members of parliament to form a new government,” his statement read. “These should be followed by official processes according to the law. Otherwise, Anwar’s words are meaningless claims. Until it has been proven otherwise, the National Alliance (PN) government still stands, and so do I, as Prime Minister.”
Muhyiddin’s statement comes after addressing the nation about COVID-19 just hours after Anwar’s press conference. After announcing a new economic stimulus package, Muhyiddin told Malaysians to reject a “certain politician” he said was looking to destabilize the country’s political situation.
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PM Muhyiddin tells Malaysians to reject ‘certain politician’ as Anwar Ibrahim seeks new govt
Anwar Ibrahim says he has enough support to overthrow Prime Minister Muhyiddin
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