by SHAHEERA AZNAM SHAH/ pic by BERNAMA

PRIME MINISTER Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has confirmed his resignation after meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this afternoon.

His resignation cam after 17 months in power, leading the Perikatan Nasional coalition.

In a special televised broadcast today, Muhyiddin admitted of losing the majority to govern after 15 Umno MPs had withdrawn their support from him recently.

“Although I initially proposed that my legitimacy as Prime Minister be determined in Parliament, fifteen Umno MPs withdrew support for me and my proposal for bipartisan cooperation was rejected by the opposition parties.

Obviously I have lost the support of the majority. So, there is no need for my legitimacy as Prime Minister to be determined in Parliament,” he said.

Prior to this Muhyiddin had said that he is ready to face the confidence vote in the Parliament next month.

Additionally, the Pagoh MP also said that he has lead the country in an unprecedented health and economic crisis.

“At the same time I continue to be threatened politically. I can take the easy way out at the expense of my principles to remain as Prime Minister. But that’s not my choice,” he said.

“I will never conspire with kleptocratic groups, interfere with the independence of the judiciary and turn my back on the Federal Constitution simply to stay in power.

Muhyiddin hopes for a new government to be appointed soon, to continue with the vaccination programme so that Malaysia will reach herd immunity per schedule.