Malaysian PM Muhyiddin Yassin counting on Umno’s support as part of ‘political ceasefire’
The declaration provides a temporary reprieve for Muhyiddin after opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s claimed he has the numbers to form a new government
Muhyiddin has since been in talks for a possible cabinet reshuffle to give Umno officials more prominent roles
The biggest party in Malaysia’s ruling alliance on Wednesday pledged its support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, a boost for the premier as he faces a leadership challenge.
The United Malays National Organisation (Umno) also called for a “political ceasefire” amid a surge in coronavirus cases, just a week after saying it was considering withdrawing support for Muhyiddin’s government.
Muhyiddin’s coalition is unelected but took power in March after the unexpected resignation of his predecessor Mahathir Mohamad. He formed a new alliance with parties that were defeated in a 2018 election.
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In a statement, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party had agreed to support Muhyiddin’s government and its efforts to fight the virus and strengthen a pandemic-battered economy.
“The cooperation of all parties in the government ... must be strengthened in order to ensure political stability at a time when the country is facing the threat of Covid-19 and economic uncertainty,” he said.
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Photo: Reuters
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Last month, Umno said some party lawmakers supported Anwar’s bid to be prime minister.
