The ongoing political crisis has brought to the fore the crucial role played by the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers. Bernama Photo
KUCHING: Two parliamentarians have denied pledging their support for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to become Malaysia’s eighth prime minister last night.
They are Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) Sri Aman MP Masir Kujat and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, who denied vehemently in a video each which was circulated in social media.
The videos were released following Dr Mahathir’s announcement last night that he had gained support from 114 MPs thus giving him a majority to form a government.
“I hereby deny that I have signed a statutory declaration to support Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the eighth prime minister. This is not true.
“I declare my support to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the eighth prime minister, just as announced by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong earlier today,” Masir said in his video.
He urged that this matter would not be politicised, and that the decision of the Agong would be honoured and respected to ensure the stability of the country and for the benefit of Sarawak.
Masir’s name was among the 12 Sarawakian MP names included in a list of MPs supporting Dr Mahathir to become the eighth prime minister as announced by Dr Mahathir last night.
Dr Mahathir in a statement said he had confirmed 114 MPs declaring support for him to become the prime minister, and that he would be clarifying the matter with the Agong.
Meanwhile, Syed Abu Hussin, whose name was also included among the 114 MPs who supported Dr Mahathir to become the eighth prime minister, denied that he had signed an SD in support of the latter.
“I have signed an SD in support of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the eighth prime minister, who has been appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“I deny vehemently that I pledged my support to Tun Dr Mahathir as the eighth prime minister,” he said in his video.
Following a meeting with several Pakatan Leaders late last night, Dr Mahathir in a statement said 114 MPs declared their support for him to become the prime minister – giving him a majority ahead of Muhyiddin who was earlier appointed as the prime minister.
“All of the MPs pledging their support to me to become the eighth prime minister through statutory declarations and official letters from party chiefs will be presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“At present I have the support of 114 MPs for me to become the eighth prime minister.
“I have prepared a letter to be delivered to the Agong to clarify the support of the 114 MPs. I hope His Majesty will accept my letter and explanation,” he said.
Out of the 114 MPs, 12 were Sarawakians – PKR Michael Teo (Miri), Jugah Muyang (Lubok Antu), Larry Sng (Julau), Richard Riot (Serian), from DAP Mordi Bimol (Mas Gading), Dr Kelvin Yii (Bandar Kuching), Chong Chieng Jen (Stampin), Wong Ling Biu (Sarikei), Alice Lau (Lanang), Oscar Ling (Sibu), former Sarawak PKR chairman Baru Bian (Selangau), and Masir who later denied his support.