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PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said he will leave it to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, to decide on Anwar Ibrahim’s claim that he has majority support of MPs to form a new government.

He said the King was the “most learned and qualified” individual to make a decision.

“As far as I am concerned, I will leave it to the best judgment of the Agong,” he told a press conference, Tuesday.

“The Agong is the most learned and qualified person. “He has got his own way of doing things, as provided for in the Constitution, and whatever decision he makes, it is based on the Constitution.”

Muhyiddin also said his main focus was to manage the economy and the Covid-19 pandemic and was not concerned about Anwar’s visit to the palace.

“While Anwar was at the Palace, I was video-conferencing the members of the National Security Council to discuss the Covid issue.” Earlier, Anwar was granted an audience with the King.

The Port Dickson MP said he had more than 120 MPs supporting him but declined to elaborate further as he said the King should be given room to speak to the heads of each political party.

He later said the King would be calling up leaders from several political parties in the next few days and would go through the documents he (Anwar) had presented to him. 

Anwar 

Istana Negara, however, said Anwar did not present a list of the MPs who supported him.

“It’s more than 120. But because the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will summon the heads of parties, therefore it is rational for us to be patient and give the King space to decide, ” he said.

“Therefore, today (Tuesday) is not about winning or losing, but it’s for us to uphold a developed and fair country to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and also spur economic development, ” he said.

Anwar said the documents presented to the King were statutory declarations and documents from party heads.

“It is abundantly clear that we have registered a formidable, convincing majority in Parliament. “I would appeal to Malaysians to exercise patience and wisdom, and allow the King to exercise his discretion based on the spirit of the Constitution, ” said Anwar.

He also said that as Muhyiddin has lost his majority as the Prime Minister, it would be appropriate for him to resign.

Anwar then added that the King has assured him that the spirit of the Consitution would be upheld on this matter.

“I also reiterated the fact that he has the discretion and should be given adequate time to study and digest the papers, documents, and also to consult other party leaders. I’m not in the position to decide for the King, ” said Anwar.

He also brushed aside allegations that he had made deals with Umno MPs who are presently facing court charges while stressing that the new government would be inclusive and there will be no political vendetta against anyone.

“It is important to appreciate that I have already made it abundantly clear that we are committed to institutional reforms, judicial independence and the rule of law. (There is) no question of cutting deals with individuals as alleged by certain quarters. It is completely irrelevant and irresponsible.”

Pressed further on the same question, Anwar said he merely assured MPs who are facing court charges that there will be no political vendetta.

“But, they must accept the due process and the rule of law, as well as an independent judiciary. There is no malicious prosecution as alleged, ” said Anwar.