By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 16: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has declared that he will never conspire with kleptocratic groups nor interfere with the independence of the judiciary and turns his back on the Federal Constitution simply to stay in power.
He stated that the position he held is not one of grandeur as it comes with a heavy burden of responsibility.
“I led the country which was in a state of unprecedented health and economic crisis. At the same time I continued to be threatened politically.
“I can take the easy way out at the expense of my principles to remain Prime Minister. But that’s not my choice,” he said when delivering his last speech as the Prime Minister. It was carried live by various media outlets including via an RTM livestream on Facebook today.
Although Muhyiddin did not elaborate on the matter, he did point out this was not the first time he has been in a situation that forced him to choose between closing one eye or stand up for the truth.
“Six years ago, I was fired from the post of Deputy Prime Minister simply because I defended the principle of non-compromise in the 1MDB embezzlement case.
“I fought, I sacrificed, and God has finally elevated the dignity of my struggle until I was entrusted to lead this country as Prime Minister.
“However, it has been destined that today is my last day as Prime Minister and I am content with fate,” he added.
Earlier, Muhyiddin and his Cabinet tendered their resignations to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah during an audience with the King at Istana Negara today.
Muhyiddin revealed that his resignation was inevitable after 15 United Malays National Organisation (Umno) MPs withdrew their support for him, meaning that he had lost the support of the majority.
This was in accordance with Article 43(4) of the Federal Constitution that states “if the Prime Minister no longer has the confidence of the majority of the members of the Dewan Rakyat, then the Prime Minister shall resign from the Cabinet”.
On Aug 13, Muhyiddin had also presented proposed reforms that would elevate the Opposition’s ground and obtain bipartisan support in exchange for the Opposition’s support during the vote of confidence to determine his premiership in Parliament next month.
However, his (Muhyiddin) proposal for the cross-party cooperation was rejected by the Opposition parties, which left him with no choice but to step down from his post as the last resort. — DayakDaily
