Saturday, February 29, 2020

Happy Leap Day!

This fits to a tee..


UPDATES:
Malay Mail reports that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad tonight announced that he has the support of 114 MPs — which exceeds the simple majority of 112 MPs — to be prime minister, and said he will notify the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of this.

Mukhriz questions how Muhyiddin can be PM when six MPs from Bersatu supports Dr M
PH disputes Muhyiddin’s support, leaders meet tonight
Malaysians don’t support Muhyiddin, says PKR info chief


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.


Istana: Muhyiddin to be sworn in as PM

The Star: Istana: Muhyiddin to be sworn in as PM


PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be sworn in as the eighth prime minister at 10.30am on March 1, Istana Negara has announced.

After receiving representations from both sides, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has determined that the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president is “most likely to command a majority, ” the Istana said in a statement on Saturday (Feb 29).


You may be interested to read:
PH: We have 114 MPs now in support of Dr M
Mukhriz questions how Muhyiddin can be PM when six MPs from Bersatu supports Dr M


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.

New twist to power vacuum saga as Dr M set to return as PM with PH support

In a twist of events..

FMT reports:

PETALING JAYA: Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he is prepared to lead a Pakatan Harapan coalition government again, following a meeting with its top leaders this morning.

“I am now confident that I have the numbers needed to garner majority support in the Dewan Rakyat.

“I am therefore prepared to stand as prospective candidate for prime minister. This decision will be conveyed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said in a statement.

This comes just as PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin looked set to become the next prime minister after support poured in for him yesterday.

Pakatan Harapan also confirmed this in a brief statement, saying it condemns efforts to form a “backdoor government” involving “traitors and kleptocrats”.

“As such, for the sake of defending the struggle, Pakatan Harapan expresses its full support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister,” it said.

A source told FMT that ex-PKR leaders who quit the party together with Mohamed Azmin Ali earlier this week are not part of this revived bloc.

Continue reading New twist to power vacuum saga as Dr M set to return as PM with PH support


You may be interested to read:
King determined to end political tug of war
Actually, What Are The Agong’s Powers?


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.


Friday, February 28, 2020

Attorney-General Tommy Thomas resigns

The Edge reports:

Attorney-General Tommy Thomas resigns


KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 28): Attorney-General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas has resigned as Malaysia gets set for a new Prime Minister.

Thomas submitted his resignation letter to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who appointed him to the post for a two-year term which was due to end only in June.

A source said Thomas wanted to resign while Mahathir was still the Prime Minister, albeit interim, as he was the person who appointed him.

Thomas had relentlessly pursued prosecutions related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal.

It is not clear what will happen with these cases, which are still ongoing, with his departure and that of Mahathir, which is expected soon.


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.


Khalid Samad (Shah Alam MP) pleads with Dr M - with updates

Khalid Samad pleads with Dr M to ‘let PH finish what you started’ - Malay Mail


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — Parti Amanah Negara’s Khalid Abdul Samad today pleaded with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to not betray Pakatan Harapan (PH), and allow the coalition to finish what he started.

In a series of Tweets this morning, the Shah Alam MP said: “Tun, let us finish what you started. Let us carry on with the mandate of 2018 for PH to govern and cleanse the administration of all forms of corruption to make Malaysia great again. Think of your grandchildren.”

He then urged the interim prime minister not to betray the coalition and the nation.

“Please Tun, do not betray us and the nation as a whole. You think what you are doing is the best for the nation but it is not.

“Your final legacy should not be that of a Prime Minister who betrayed his people after having won their hearts.

“Please Tun, respect the rule of law,” he tweeted.

Khalid added that PH lawmakers proposed PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the next prime minister not to spite Dr Mahathir, but because they were left with no other choice.

“Please Tun, concede to the will of the rakyat. It’s time to let go.

“We chose DSAI (Anwar) as our candidate for PM, not to spite you or bring you shame but as you gave us no choice. You left PH and wanted to create a new mandate for yourself based purely on yourself. “How could we agree? We stand with PH and the mandate of 2018,” he said.

Khalid also said he had learnt to respect Dr Mahathir over the past few months working with him.

Yesterday, Khalid openly called for Dr Mahathir not to continue as prime minister.

He insisted Anwar be appointed as the eighth prime minister.

“Tun must resign. Be the interim prime minister. Give chance to DSAI (Anwar) to become the 8th PM.

“This is not a hereditary position or one that can be passed on. There must be majority support from MPs. “I hope PPBM fulfills the promise. Tun is 7th PM, Anwar is 8th PM,” Khalid wrote on Twitter yesterday.

Last night, Dr Mahathir said the Malaysian Parliament will have the chance to resolve the country’s political impasse during a special sitting on Monday.

In remarks after announcing the 2020 Economic Stimulus Package, Dr Mahathir said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong believed that Parliament was the correct venue to determine the crisis caused by the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan federal government.

He said after two days of interviewing federal lawmakers, the Agong could not determine any among them who commanded a distinct majority to become the next prime minister.


You may be interested to read..
PKR MP suggests special Parliament sitting not by the book
PH accuses Mahathir of pre-empting Agong on future PM
2 ex-top cops at Istana as rulers meet to solve political stalemate
Umno sec-gen urges MPs to say no to special Parliamentary sitting on Monday
Dewan Rakyat can’t elect PM, will lead to constitutional crisis, warn lawyers

UPDATES:
Agong summons Speaker to palace again over special sitting of Parliament
Speaker rejects Mahathir’s bid to call for special Dewan sitting
Johor Umno chief is new MB
Analyst tells why a PH government, minus PPBM, may not last
Istana Negara: No one has majority to be new PM, party leaders to nominate PM candidate


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.


Malay Rulers arrive at Istana Negara for special meeting

From the Malay Mail..

Malay Rulers arrive at Istana Negara for special meeting


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — The Malay Rulers have started arriving at Istana Negara here this morning to attend a special meeting after the political turmoil that has plagued the country since Sunday.

The Malay Rulers are set to meet the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who has interviewed almost all MPs over the past two days to determine who commands the confidence of the majority in Parliament.

The Johor palace motorcade was seen entering the main entrance gate of the Istana Negara at 9.32am, signaling the arrival of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

There’s a heavy police presence in the vicinity of the palace currently.

The Conference of Rulers meeting today is in light of the current political quagmire, triggered by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir’s resignation on Monday.

The Rulers and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will look into the possibility of a new government or the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat.

Others expected to arrive include Sultan Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah, Sultan Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Sultan Kedah Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Almarhum Sultan Badlishah as well as Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, Pahang Acting regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah and Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Dr Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra Sultan Ismail Petra.

More to come..

Here is a timeline of Malaysia's political crisis.



Source: Malay Mail


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.


Thursday, February 27, 2020

Who is the new Prime Minister of Malaysia? - With updates

Yes, who will be the new Prime Minister of Malaysia? Your guess is as good as mine but let's take a look at what's going on here in Kuala Lumpur from live account from Istana Negara (the King's Palace) courtesy of FMT..

Courtesy of FMT

KUALA LUMPUR: FMT brings live accounts as events unfold at Istana Negara amid a political vacuum in Putrajaya.

11.15am: There have been conflicting claims on who has the majority, with Anwar Ibrahim’s supporters saying the PKR leader is set to be sworn-in as PM. Pakatan Harapan top leaders are meeting at 1pm today.

11.10am: Dr Mahathir may not be sworn in as he is not wearing the Baju Melayu, which is a required palace protocol during a swearing-in ceremony.

11.00am: Dr Mahathir Mohamad, wearing a suit and a songkok, enters the palace grounds, ahead of his audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. It is not certain if he would be sworn-in, with conflicting claims on who has the majority support to head a new government.


At the same time, Mahathir off to Istana as unity govt looks set to trump partisan blocs



According to Malay Mail..
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — State broadcast channel RTM reported this morning that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been summoned to meet the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Istana Negara at 11am.

RTM also reported that Chief Justice Datuk Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat had also been similarly summoned.

Malay Mail is seeking verification with palace officials and Dr Mahathir’s office regarding the matter.


UPDATES:
Dr M back as PPBM chairman, says party sec-gen

PETALING JAYA: Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir has retained his post in the state after receiving support from assemblymen belonging to various parties.

The menteri besar said the Kedah government now consists of Pakatan Harapan and PPBM.

“Everything remains the same, except that we are now known as the Pakatan Harapan-Bersatu government in Kedah,” Mukhriz said.
Mukhriz remains MB after support from Kedah reps


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.


Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Malaysia still in limbo - with updates

Yes, Malaysia is still in limbo as Agong (the King) continues to search for a new PM.

MSN reported that..

Provided by Malay Mail Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah speaks to members of the media at Istana Negara February 25, 2020. ― Picture by Miera Zulyana

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong will meet more federal lawmakers today to identify a suitable candidate to be prime minister, after unprecedented developments yesterday left Malaysia no closer to a new government.

Since yesterday afternoon, MPs have gone to the Istana Negara to inform Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of whom they supported to be the head of the government.

At the time, virtually all factions including Pakatan Harapan, Bersatu, Umno, PAS, and Gabungan Parti Sarawak were united in their support for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to continue as prime minister.

Today, the Agong will continue meeting the country’s remaining lawmakers after already polling those from PAS, Umno and GPS. On the schedule to see him are those from PH and Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s rogue faction that quit PKR to become independent.

Dr Mahathir resigned unexpectedly on Monday after a Sunday full of political intrigue stemming from a suspected plot to form a coalition government without the main PKR, DAP, and Amanah.

Stay tuned for updates..

UPDATES:
DAP’s Yeo says Pakatan went with Anwar as ‘Mahathir government’ would give Dr M carte blanche
PH picks Anwar after Mahathir snubs meeting
In first public remarks as interim PM, Dr M apologises to country for political mess
Dr M: I can't accept Umno's inclusion in new government
Dr M says he wants a merit-based government, not party-based
3 ways Malaysia’s Agong is winning hearts amid the political saga


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.


Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Malaysia will have a surprise tomorrow?


From MSN:

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan coalition partners have reached a consensus on their position following the political crisis sparked by Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation as prime minister, but will only announce it tomorrow.

Most of the top PH leaders, including PKR’s Anwar Ibrahim and Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, DAP’s Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng and Amanah’s Mujahid Yusof Rawa avoided the press and left hurriedly after a meeting at the PKR headquarters here tonight.

Asked if PH was confident of a majority, Khalid said “God willing” though he ruled out a two-thirds majority. He said they had a “sufficient” majority.
Read: PH leaders reach consensus, will reveal it tomorrow


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.

Monday, February 24, 2020

Prime Minister of Malaysia has resigned

MSN reports:


KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 24): Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has submitted his resignation letter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at 1pm today, said the Prime Minister's Office in a statement.

This confirms reports that Dr Mahathir had quit as Prime Minister, although the brief two-paragraph statement did not disclose the reason for his resignation.

This latest development comes just a day after talks of a new political coalition being formed to replace the current Pakatan Harapan administration.

News about Dr Mahathir’s alleged resignation circulated in online news portals and social media at around noon. Prior to that, there were meetings held between Dr Mahathir and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the former’s home earlier today.

Yesterday was fraught with uncertainty over the state of the government following a series of high-level meeting last night between both sides of the political divide said to be in support of Dr Mahathir remaining as prime minister until the next general election.

They include PPBM president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, as well as some leaders from both parties who met with Barisan Nasional leaders and those from PAS at Sheraton Hotel.

On Friday after the PH presidential council meeting, Dr Mahathir said he will decide later about his tenure as PM, as opposed to giving a firm date for his resignation as requested by certain quarters in the coalition.


With Tun Dr Mahathir's resignation.. The Pakatan Harapan (PH) ruling government has collapsed, following the resignation of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and after the pact lost its Parliamentary majority.

Following the resignation of Dr Mahathir who is the Chairman of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), the former PH component member with 26 federal lawmakers pulled out from the pact, this afternoon.
Continue reading..

Caretaker government to be formed, AGC to release details soon

Updates:
Agong accepts Dr M’s resignation, reappoints him as interim PM
All 26 ministerial appointments revoked
Anwar: Dr M says wasn’t part of power grab

25 February:
Interim premier Dr M back at work in Perdana Putra
Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya (MSN/The Star Online)

Kit Siang: Will Opposition behind backdoor govt now declare support for Pakatan’s GE14 manifesto?

‘Dr M quit because he refuses to work with Umno’
Three states at risk of falling
The numbers game that just needs a simple majority to win
Make the one with the majority the PM, says lawyer activists group
And on a refreshing note, the King treats media to KFC.


Disclaimer:
-- Any political news posted on this blog is from the media. It is not the opinion of the blog-owner.