Malaysia’s political crisis: PM Muhyiddin Yassin finally quits, but question mark over successor remains
- Muhyiddin’s departure caps weeks of political turmoil triggered by the Perikatan Nasional government’s loss of majority legislative support
- The veteran politician’s 17-month stint in office following a political coup last March is the shortest in independent Malaysia’s history
The 74-year-old’s departure was expected, after a key minister revealed over the weekend that the prime minister would meet the country’s king, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, to tender his resignation and end an impasse triggered by the government’s loss of majority backing in parliament.
“His Majesty has agreed to accept Tan Sri Mahiaddin Yassin’s resignation letter,” said a statement by the Comptroller of the Royal Household Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin that used the prime minister’s given name.
“Tan Sri Mahiaddin will serve as caretaker Prime Minister until a new Prime Minister is appointed.”
The statement said the monarch was against sanctioning fresh polls, citing the severity of the Covid-19 crisis in the country.
Addressing the nation in a televised speech after the king’s acceptance of his resignation, Muhyiddin struck a defiant tone. He said his efforts to maintain stability amid the coronavirus crisis were thwarted by “some who would rather snatch power than prioritise the lives of the people”.
“I can take the easy route and sacrifice my principles to remain prime minister. But that is not my choice and I will not compromise with kleptocrats or interfere with the independence of the judiciary, just to stay in power,” he said, alluding to the likes of the corruption-tainted ex-prime minister Najib Razak who have been lobbying for his resignation.