Day 7 Harapan Leaders End Meet To Reconvene With 114 Mps At 9am

---

Bringing you updates on the developing situation following the collapse of the 20-month-old Pakatan Harapan government

Dr M publishes list of 114 MPs, hopes Agong will accept10.50am: Dr Mahathir Mohamad has published the list of 114 MPs backing him
This includes six Bersatu MPs namely himself, Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muar), Maszlee Malik (Simpang Renggam), Eddin Syazlee Shith (Kuala Pilah), and Amiruddin Hamzah (Kubang Pasu)
He says with these six, the number of Bersatu MPs presented to the King supporting Muhyiddin Yassin is not accurate
"I hope the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong will accept my letter (with the 114 names) and explanation," Mahathir says
Others on the list are Keningau MP Jeffrey Kitingan and Richard Riot (Serian) who are listed under PKR, Gabungan Bersatu Sabah's Maximus Ongkili (Kota Marudu), independents Baru Bian (Selangau), Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), and Masir Kujat (Sri Aman)
The full list is as follows
Read more here
Harapan leaders end meet, to reconvene with '114 MPs' at 9am10:30pm: Yayasan Albukhary, Kuala Lumpur - Interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Harapan top leaders depart following a 90 minute meeting
Mahathir rolls down his window and waves to the press but he does not say anything
From his vehicle, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim shouts “114”, indicating the number of MPs Pakatan Harapan is now claiming to be behind them. Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub says all these 114 MPs will meet at Yayasan Albukhary at 9am tomorrow
“We will meet in a peaceful way. We do not want any trouble. We just want to say that the numbers before this had misled (the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong), it is incorrect,” Salahuddin tells the media
Asked if Harapan plans to allow Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to be sworn in as the eighth prime minister, he says “we will not stop that”
'If you want to arrest one of us, then arrest us all,' says rally organiser10.30pm: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur - The demonstration against the Perikatan Nasional government ends peacefully
Earlier, Ainina Sofia, one of the organisers, tells participants to watch each others' back, saying police were searching for the organisers
"If you want to arrest one of us, it is better for the police to nab all of us," says Ainina Sofia, adding the protest is not organised by any political party or organisation
More than 100 people participated in the protest
Former Bersih chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan (below), who turned up to show support, says she will continue to be the voice of the people, saying : "I am back.""Absolutely (I will be back) if the situation demands it. But I am not the only one," she says
She, however, says she will not lead Bersih but she will support the movement
Earlier, she told reporters that an urgent sitting of Parliament should be called
"A no-confidence motion should be discussed and debated and then put to a vote, ultimately, that is the way it should end up - a democratic way
"That's why I say I haven't given up on democracy. We have a Parliament that works and we need to go back to that," she says
Protesters call for Malaysia to rise against coup9.30pm: Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur - A group of young protesters gather at Dataran Merdeka to protest over the politicking taking place in the past seven days
The protest was called by individuals via social media in the evening. The protesters are mainly student activists, activists and the public
A protester says the political elites do not care about the people and marginalised groups
Another protester named Katrina says the people should continue to speak out against the events taking place. "Take your fear, sadness and anger and put them into action. Have conversations with your friends and people," she says
Another protester slams those responsible for the political coup
"I am furious, who is that? I go to the ground to queue, not to vote for Muhyiddin (Yassin), who is that?" she shouts
The group chants "bangkit Malaysia" (rise Malaysia), "we ask to reform not deform" and "democracy is dead, the people to stand up"
"They steal our votes. Don't let them do it again," says another protester
She says the least people can do is to sign a petition in protest of the coup
"We don't want Umno in power, make sure they don't do that," she says
Some of the placards they were seen carrying read "RIP Malaysian democracy 9/5/2018 - 29/2/2020" and "I support a vote of no confidence"
Mahathir's granddaughter Ineza Roussille, who filmed M for Malaysia, is also spotted at the demonstration. She, however, declines to speak with media
Activist Fahmi Reza also shows up with a placard of a clown with features resembling Muhyiddin
More MPs will be joining our side, Anwar says 9.30pm: PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim tweets briefly that more MPs will be joining their side after Baru Bian's defection allegedly gave Pakatan Harapan 114 MPs
Anwar Ibrahim✔@anwaribrahim114. Lebih ramai akan datang. InsyaAllah. https://twitter.com/saifnasution/status/1233739891403419650 …Saifuddin Nasution@saifnasution#1142,6609:27 PM - Feb 29, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy1,414 people are talking about this#NotMyPM trending on Twitter 9.30pm: The #NotMyPM hashtag is trending on Twitter with over 20,000 tweets as of writing
Most are using the hashtag to express their disappointment with Muhyiddin Yassin's appointment as prime minister
"It took Malaysia 63 years to remove corrupt, power-mongering politicians. And then it took two years for the same scum to be back in power. Honour or respect do not exist. Hope dies tomorrow. #NotMyPM" tweets user @kyleazarae, with over 700 retweets
However, some are also expressing their displeasure at the hashtag, saying it disrespects the Agong's decision to appoint Muhyiddin
Harapan top guns arrive for meeting with Mahathir8:50pm: Yayasan Albukhary, Kuala Lumpur - PKR President Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu are seen arriving for a 9pm meeting with interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad
Heavy security is seen tailing Anwar’s vehicle
Selangau MP Baru Bian was seen arriving at around 8:30pm and leaving 15 minutes later after what appears to be an act of defection from Muhyiddin Yassin to Mahathir’s camp
Also observed entering the building are DAP senator Liew Chin Tong and DAP Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang. Baru Bian signs SD backing Mahathir, Fahmi claims Harapan has 1148.40pm: Yayasan Albukhary - Selangau MP Baru Bian has signed a declaration supporting Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister
This was streamed live by Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil
Fahmi tells Malaysiakini that with Baru, they now have 114 MPs
We support Muhyiddin as PM, but we're not in Perikatan Nasional: GPS8.10pm: GPS says it supports Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister, but is not part of the Perikatan Nasional government
"GPS is not a member of Perikatan Nasional but only as a political entity in Sarawak that gives support to Muhyiddin in the interest of the nation and to save Malaysia from political instability without sacrificing the interest of Sarawak."At this juncture, GPS will only be a political party that is friendly to Perikatan Nasional," says a statement from the Sarawak Chief Minister's Office
'Lying to be PM?' Mukhriz disputes numbers backing Muhyiddin 8pm: Bersatu deputy president Mukhriz Mahathir has questioned how 36 MPs can be considered to be in support of Muhyiddin Yassin, if six of them are backing Dr Mahathir Mohamad
He says the six are himself, Mahathir, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Simpang Renggam MP Dr Maszlee Malik, Kuala Pilah MP Eddin Syazlee Shith, and Kubang Pasu MP Amiruddin Hamzah
"Lying to be PM?" he says in a Facebook post
The post is attached with a statement from yesterday which states that Bersatu backed Muhyiddin as prime minister after a meeting attended by 36 MPs
Eddin Syazlee has been spotted at Muhyiddin's house after he was appointed prime minister, while Maszlee expressed gratitude over the appointment
Read the full report here. Do not go to illegal Dataran Merdeka rally, police warn public 7.50pm: Police have warned the public against attending tonight's 8.30pm rally at Dataran Merdeka
"It's an illegal rally as it will be done all of sudden, there's no notice and it didn't follow procedures, I advise people not to attend this rally
"The organisers will face legal charges if they proceed," Kuala Lumpur police chief Mazlan Lazim tells Astro Awani
Maszlee Malik says he's grateful Muhyiddin chosen as PM 7.40pm: Just three hours after declaring support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik now says he is grateful that Muhyiddin Yassin had been appointed prime minister
"As a responsible party member and good citizen who wants the best for the people, I welcome and honour the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's decree assenting to appoint Muhyiddin as prime minister
"I pray that Malaysia remains peaceful and continues to move forward," he says in a statement
GPS decides to back Muhyiddin, snubs Dr M because of DAP7.25pm: GPS is backing Muhyiddin, says its Santubong MP Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
He tells The Malaysian Insight that the coalition had an online meeting last night, so they can decide on what to tell the Agong in the morning
"It’s a case of time constraints because the King wants to end the impasse. (So) We had our meeting online and we decided on Muhyiddin," he was quoted as saying
He adds that the coalition did not back Mahathir because of DAP
Earlier FMT reported that Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg also snubbed an offer by DAP to make concessions in the state
'Perikatan Nasional has enough seats to form Malacca gov't' 7.20pm: Muhyiddin's House - Bersatu's Paya Rumput assemblyperson Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen (photo) says the new Perikatan Nasional pact has 16 assemblypersons, enough to form the Malacca state government
"Insha Allah, myself and BN leaders will meet the governor to form the state government," he says, adding that this meeting will take place within one or two days
Eddin Syazlee turns up at Muhyiddin's house 7.10pm: Muhyiddin's house, Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Pilah MP Eddin Syazlee Shith, who was earlier said to be heading to Yayasan Albukhary has instead turned up at Muhyiddin's home
He arrived at around 6.50pm, before leaving at around 7.10pm
Protest being held at 8.30pm tonight at Dataran Merdeka6.25pm: A protest has been called for 8.30pm tonight at Dataran Merdeka
"Those who are outraged by the betrayal, let’s gather tonight at Dataran Merdeka at 830pm. See you there!" reads a message circulating on WhatsApp
It is understood the rally is being organised by the same group that staged a protest at the square on Tuesday night. That protest was attended by some 80 people
Rina Harun at Muhyiddin's residence5.30pm: Bersatu Women's chief Rina Harun arrives at the residence of party president Muhyiddin Yassin in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Rina (below) is also the MP for Titiwangsa. Both sides claim majority, Harapan meets Mahathir 5:30pm: PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan says that 114 out of 222 MPs back newly announced Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin
He says he is "unclear" which parties they come from but mentions Bersatu, PAS and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)
"This was told to us, we have crossed the line," he says when stopped by the media outside Muhyiddin's house in Bukit Damansara
Takiyuddin thanks the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong for appointing Muhyiddin "in line with the Federal Constitution" and congratulates the new PM
"This should not be questioned by anyone," he adds
Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa similarly says he is thankful to God for the Agong's decision
He had earlier tweeted that Umno wanted snap polls
Meanwhile, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub tells the media outside Yayasan Albukhary that Pakatan Harapan has garnered "111 or 112 MPs" on their side as of 4pm today
Harapan leaders are now meeting with interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to discuss their next step. Harapan will still submit SD figures to Palace5.15pm: Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya - Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub (below) says Pakatan Harapan will get the total figure of statutory declarations (SDs) they have collected and submit them to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to prove the support they have received
He says the letter from the Palace yesterday did not specify the closure of timeline for both sides to get the support via SDs
As such, he says the Harapan parties will still work on getting more support from the lawmakers as of 5pm today
"What we are trying to do is get the SD and we are confident that we have the numbers," says Salahuddin
He, however, does not reveal if the SDs submitted to the Palace by the party chiefs in the afternoon were enough to ensure Harapan to reclaim Putrajaya
He only says Harapan may reveal this later after the Harapan meeting with Mahathir this evening
He says Harapan will study the law and Federal Constitution before determining its next move
Wan Saiful hopes Muhyiddin's appointment marks end to crisis5.15pm: Bersatu supreme council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan hopes that Muhyiddin's appointment as prime minister marks an end to the political crisis, and a resumption of nation-building
"The leaders who are receiving this new mandate must ensure that deeds of past leaders will continue to be appreciated," he adds
He also calls for Bersatu to reunite with better discipline
Meanwhile, Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin when met at Muhyiddin's house was grateful for the King's decision
"Thank God. Our hard work for one week has succeeded in installing Muhyiddin as prime minister," she says
Muhyiddin thanks supporters, hopes M'sians accept Palace's decision5.10pm: Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin when met by the media at his house in Bukit Damansara voices his gratitude to God and thank all his supporters over the Istana Negara's decision to appoint him as the eighth prime minister
Muhyiddin (photo) also says that he hopes all Malaysians will accept the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's decision
"I am grateful to Allah for His reward that I am chosen to be the eighth PM, with the blessing of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong," he says
Muhyiddin also expresses his gratitude to Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah
"I hope that all Malaysians will accept this decision announced by the Istana Negara today
"I was informed that the swearing-in ceremony would be held before the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong tomorrow at 10.30am
"Insha Allah I will be at the National Palace tomorrow."Meanwhile, a video clip has also been circulating on social media, showing Muhyiddin performing the "sujud syukur" prayer, soon after he received the news about his appointment
King appoints Muhyiddin as 8th prime minister 5pm: The Agong has appointed Muhyiddin Yassin as the 8th prime minister
This is after the King opined that the Pagoh MP enjoyed majority confidence of the House
Article 43(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution states: "The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong shall first appoint as prime minister to preside over the cabinet a member of the House of Representatives who in his judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of that house."Read the full report here. Amiruddin Hamzah and two other MPs on the way to see Mahathir 4:30pm: Bersatu Kubang Pasu MP Amiruddin Hamzah confirms with Malaysiakini that he is on the way to Yayasan Albukhary to meet with interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad
He says two other Bersatu MPs - Simpang Renggam's Maszlee Malik and Kuala Pilah's Eddin Syazlee Shith are also on the way
This comes after Maszlee declared his support for Mahathir as the PM candidate
Maszlee Malik sides with Mahathir4.30pm: Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik, who was at Muhyiddin's house this morning, has declared his support for Mahathir
Maszlee says as a team player, he had followed the party line when they nominated Muhyiddin as prime minister
However, he says he found it difficult to work with individuals involved in corruption
"All this while I have always listened to the party's orders, up until this second. In fact this morning I was with party leaders in a negotiation to solve this issue. This crisis must be solved immediately," he says
He adds that there is a need to move forward, and place the people's agenda first
"As such, I am declaring my support for Mahathir to be prime minister," he says
Warisan says position unchanged, still behind Dr M4.10pm: Parti Warisan Sabah says it remains consistent in its support for Langkawi MP Dr Mahathir Mohamad to become the next prime minister
"Warisan is consistent with its previous stance that it will support Mahathir as prime minister," says Warisan secretary-general Loretto Padua
The decision was reaffirmed following a leadership meeting
Meanwhile, PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil says Keningau MP Jeffrey Kitingan (below), who just this morning was at Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin's home in Kuala Lumpur, will not back Mahathir
Mahathir and Muhyiddin, even though from the same party, are now split and are competing to form the next government
Read the full report here. Anwar confirms three MPs join Harapan including Richard Riot 3.40pm: Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya - PKR president Anwar Ibrahim confirms additional three MPs joined Pakatan Harapan parties
This included Serian MP Richard Riot (below) from GPS, he says
That adds up to 95 as compared with 92 MPs Harapan had before this
Anwar, however, did not name two other MPs who defected to Harapan
"(We) have 95 MPs and definitely Tun (Mahathir) will bring in a few more," he says
Without giving an exact figure, he said they now already have far more MPs on their side
When asked to confirm if Riot joined PKR, Anwar says he is going to join the party
"He called just now, (he) applied for some time already. He confirms he is on the way," says Anwar
Dr M and Siti Hasmah leave granddaughter's reception3pm: Shangrila Hotel, Kuala Lumpur - Interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is accompanied by wife Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali as they leave their granddaughter’s wedding reception
An aide tells Malaysiakini that he is scheduled to head home to The Mines and has no other events planned for today
Dressed in a grey suit, Mahathir declines questions from the media. Anwar on giving way to Dr M: National interest supersedes my own2.30pm: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim's presence at Istana Negara earlier was to nominate Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister, according to a Sin Chew Daily report
The report says Anwar wanted to inform the ruler that Harapan will now switch its support from Anwar to Mahathir as a candidate for prime minister
"I am very touched by the support for me but I choose to look at the national interest over personal agenda
"So, I hope my friends will not be disappointed. We need to think about national interest and how we can develop the country," he was quoted as saying
'Difficult to say anything' - Constant plot twists leave Ismail speechless 2.05pm: Muhyiddin Yassin's house, Kuala Lumpur - Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri hopes that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will do what's best for the country and avoid instability
Ismail (above) says he is unable to comment on Mahathir's latest decision to ally himself with Pakatan Harapan because the latter's position kept changing
"At first he wanted (to be PM), then he quit, then when Muhyiddin Yassin agreed, he (Mahathir) came back, then he agreed that Muhyiddin is the candidate. Now he doesn't agree
"It's difficult to say anything. If I say something in the morning, it might change in the evening," he says
Respite from politics: Dr M attends granddaughter's wedding2pm: Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur - Interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad takes a respite from the political turmoil to attend his granddaughter Meera Alyana Mukhriz's wedding reception
Malaysiakini was informed that Mahathir arrived at the Shangrila Hotel in Kuala Lumpur an hour ago for the reception
Special Action Unit (UTK) bodyguards are present at the venue
There are reports that Mahathir may head to Istana Negara later in the day
However, his aide tells Malaysiakini that this is not yet confirmed
Fahmi Fadzil hopes political impasse will end soon2pm: Hotel Eastin, Petaling Jaya - PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil hopes the political impasse will end in one or two days
He believes they can get the support of some representatives who are not happy with their party leadership and the support from MPs from Sabah and Sarawak
"No matter what, we will wait from the announcement from the Palace
"(We) pray that this can be resolved in one or two days," he says. Annuar Musa asking for snap polls again2pm: Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa appears to be in favour snap polls yet again
"Enough with this race. Regardless of who wins, it is very temporary. Mandate should be given back to the people
"People understand well and can evaluate for themselves. Because of power, it is the people and the country which are suffering," he says on Twitter
Umno and PAS previously supported Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister but wanted snap polls after Mahathir refused to work with Umno
They then supported Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister after it appeared the Bersatu president may have a chance to form a new government with Umno's involvement
But this was scuttled by Mahathir this morning after he struck a deal with Harapan
Anwar leaves Istana Negara1.50pm: Istana Negara - PKR president Anwar Ibrahim leaves the national palace after a 20-minute visit
He was accompanied by PKR's Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil
His vehicle does not stop but Anwar winds down his window slightly to wave at the journalists
However, when journalists try to ask questions, his bodyguards try to keep them away from the vehicle
Pushing ensues and some journalists fall to the ground. Angry journalists then confront Anwar's bodyguards
Cops probe FB users claiming Agong asked Dr M to resign1.30pm: Police initiate an investigation against Facebook user "Sharifah Sofia Syed Rashid III" who claimed that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong had asked interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to resign
The postings claim Mahathir would be replaced with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Huzir Mohamed (above), in a statement, says investigations are also being conducted on those who shared the message, namely the Facebook users "Zali Zakri", "Kunak Sabah Balacan" and "Malek Hj Lahab"
They are being investigated under section 505(b) of the Penal Code for statements conducing to public mischief and section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network facilities
"The police urge the public not to make, public or circulate any statements, rumours or news that can cause public mischief," he adds
Bersatu sec-gen counters Muhyiddin, affirms Dr M as party chair1pm: Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya affirms Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the Bersatu chairperson
This is as Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin tries to seize control of the party by declaring himself as the acting Bersatu chairperson
"In line with the principles of the rule of law and the party constitution, the only individual with absolute power to lead the party is the Bersatu chairperson which is Dr Mahathir Mohamad
"Therefore, party actions and direction is subject to the decision of the Bersatu chairperson," says Marzuki in a statement
Muhyiddin tries to seize control of Bersatu12.35pm: Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin declares himself as the acting Bersatu chairperson in an apparent bid to seize control of the party
Ignoring the fact that the party had appealed for Mahathir to retract his Monday resignation which he agreed and was officially announced as the Bersatu chairperson again on Feb 27, Muhyiddin in a statement claims the seat is now vacant, making him the acting Bersatu chairperson
According to Bersatu's constitution, the position of the chairperson is the ultimate authority in the party
Muhyiddin's move comes as Mahathir sought to out-manoeuvre him this morning by striking a deal with Pakatan Harapan to support the latter as prime minister
Muhyiddin was on the verge of forming the government with support from Umno and other parties
Mahathir is vehemently against forming the government with Umno, of which several leaders are facing trial for grand corruption
 Read the full report here.Harapan leaders in mystery 'handover' at Istana Negara12pm: Harapan leaders leave the national palace after a 30-minute visit
They are coy about their purpose. The group comprises Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Amanah vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa, Amanah strategic director Dzulkefly Ahmad and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng (below)
Earlier, the group had stopped by the roadside near the palace and Dzulkefly was seen entering one of their vehicles to sign a document. Subsequently, they entered the palace
Upon exiting, Dzulkefly said he had "handed over" something to the palace
Pressed on what he meant, Dzulkefly merely reiterates that he had "handed over"
Anwar will make way to Dr M in new gov't12pm: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim is expected to stay out of the new government that interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad may form even though the former's party is supporting it
"In the halls, insiders are acknowledging that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim volunteered to not join the cabinet and to make way for Mahathir as prime minister, in order to keep Harapan 2.0 alive," says PKR's Subang MP Wong Chen (below)
Similarly, Focus Malaysia reports that Anwar has agreed to stand aside until the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (Apec) in November, which is the original transition plan under the previous Harapan government
Citing sources, it says PKR defectors led by Gombak MP Azmin Ali and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who engineered the coup against the Harapan government, will be left out of the new government
It adds that GPS and Warisan may also be incorporated into the new government. Read the full report here.Lawyer proposes no-confidence vote against 8th PM11am: Lawyer New Sin Yew proposes that the present political crisis be solved through a no-confidence vote against interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the Dewan Rakyat
Such a vote is a more assured way to record which prime minister candidate MPs support, given the present “dynamic” allegiances
He noted that Mahathir possibly has the confidence of the majority to remain as the PM. “In my view, there is really only one solution to this - the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong should reject all extraneous evidence (Statutory Declarations, interviews, group gatherings) in determining whether a PM has ceased to command the confidence of majority because such evidence is so unreliable and the MPs are clearly not good for their word
”The Agong should insist on having confidence tested in the Dewan Rakyat by way of a vote of no confidence where MPs cannot retract or change,” he wrote on his Facebook page
This comes as both Mahathir and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin claim to have enough MPs behind them to claim the throne. 'We will come back tomorrow' - Muhyiddin and allies leave Palace10.50am: Istana Negara - Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has left Istana Negara barely 40 minutes after arriving
PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, who is accompanying him says "We will come back tomorrow"
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and GPS chief whip Fadillah Yusof are also seen leaving
Earlier this morning, the leaders had gathered at Muhyiddin home. Also present were Star's Keningau MP Jeffrey Kittingan and PBS' Pensiangan MP Arthur Joseph Kurup
The group were planning to inform the palace that they have a majority to form a new government but Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is now on a collision course with Muhyiddin, pre-empted the move
Mahathir has struck deal with Pakatan Harapan to support him. Bersatu sources have indicated that more will declare support for Mahathir soon
Before entering the palace, Muhyiddin had confirmed his intention to form the Perikatan Nasional coalition
"Our purpose is to try our best to save us from what we are facing in the country right now
"Our intentions are sincere. We ask all Malaysians to pray that our efforts will receive support and prayers for its success," he says
Group suggests East Malaysian leader as PM10.45am: A group of civil society leaders has suggested that East Malaysia be given the chance to lead the new government
They say this because peninsular leaders appear to have continuously fought over their own interest
"It is about time we Malaysians give a chance for East Malaysian leaders who have shown religious and racial tolerance since the formation of Malaysia, and who have set examples of unity in diversity to lead the nation out of the current impasse
"If Malaysia wants a unity government, let's start from the East. When we signed the Malaysian agreement, we hoped for a just society and fair society and caring leaders who put nation before self. It is now confirmed that the peninsular party leaders are only thinking about themselves
"It is about time an East Malaysian leader is given the opportunity to lead the country as prime minister," they say
Among the signatory of the statement include Lim Teck Ghee, Tajuddin Rasdi, Peter John Jaban, Faridah Mohd Fuad Stephens and Ambiga Sreenevasan
Sarawak DAP is willing to make concessions with GPS10.15am: Sarawak DAP is willing to make concessions with GPS in the upcoming state election, in the name of national interest
"In the name of national interest, anything can," Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chien Jen tells Malaysiakini
Asked if they're willing to work with GPS, he replies that they are open to working with anyone other than Umno and PAS
Chong says the country is at a crossroads now and GPS must choose between working with "racists" and "religious extremists" in Umno and PAS, or with Pakatan Harapan
Politicians arrive at the palace to meet the King10.10am: Istana Negara - Politicians have started to arrive at the palace to meet the King
Among those spotted thus far are Bersatu's Muhyiddin Yassin and Azmin Ali, Umno's Annuar Musa,  PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and GPS chief whip Fadillah Yusof
'I never signed' says Syed Saddiq on SD10am: Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman says he and several MPs did not sign any statutory declaration to support Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin to become the next prime minister
"I never signed," he tells the press on Whatsapp
Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad had yesterday met with Bersatu MPs to make his case against working with Umno. However, after the meeting, Bersatu secretary-general announced that the party would support Muhyiddin, who is prepared to work with Umno, as prime minister
He mentioned that the meeting was attended by 36 Bersatu MPs, including PKR defectors, but did not specifically say they had individually endorsed Muhyiddin
Dr M declares he has the number to form new gov't9.30am: Interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad declares that he now has the numbers to form the new government
This is after he met with Pakatan Harapan 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 a prospective candidate for prime minister
"This decision will be conveyed to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong," he says in a statement
Pakatan Harapan, in a separate statement, confirms that the coalition will support Mahathir
Read the full story here. Bersatu's Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman breaks ranks 9.15am: Bersatu's Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman breaks ranks amid party president Muhyiddin Yassin's effort to form a new government with Umno
"I became a politician at a time when my country was viewed with disdain by the world and embarrassed by corruption
"I believed that Malaysians have the right to a better government. One that is free from corruption, respected and with dignity
"I would like to stress one thing - I will never work with the corrupt. Far from it, I won't form a government with them," Syed Saddiq says in a Twitter post. Read the full report here. Syed Saddiq✔@SyedSaddiqIni bukan lagi soal parti atau majoriti.
Ini soal identiti & integriti.

Saya faham pendirian saya tidak akan disenangi oleh segelintir ahli politik. Tetapi ahli politik datang dan pergi. Rakyat Malaysia adalah tuan sebenar negara ini.

Biar mati bermaruah, jangan hidup dijajah
24.4K8:01 AM - Feb 29, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy11.5K people are talking about this
Political party leaders summoned to Istana Negara8am: Istana Negara - Political party leaders are expected to meet the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong at 10.30am
The ruler had on Tuesday and Wednesday interviewed MPs on their preference for prime minister but his majesty is not satisfied that any MP commands a majority
To recap, BN and PAS MPs had earlier told the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong that they wanted the Dewan Rakyat dissolved while Pakatan Harapan leaders decided to nominate Port Dickson MP Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister after their former leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad declined to restore the previous Harapan government
GPS, Warisan and Bersatu were believed to have nominated Mahathir, who is Bersatu chairperson, as prime minister
However, the position of the parties has changed yet again in a matter of days
As of last night, BN, PAS and Bersatu are now backing Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister. Harapan's position remains unchanged for now and who GPS and Warisan will support is still up in the air
The switch to Muhyiddin is due to Mahathir being adamant that he would not work with Umno
Following party lines, this means Muhyiddin should have the support of 96 MPs while PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has 93, or at least in theory. The position of 33 more MPs is unclear
It is unclear if the ruler can establish who has the most support by meeting the party chiefs today as not all MPs appear to stick to the party lines
Bersatu MPs, for example, appear to be split between Muhyiddin and Mahathir
Anwar has indicated that he hopes disgruntled MPs with side with Harapan, claiming that the coalition has the numbers to form the government
This is a continuing effort to establish who has majority support to become the prime minister after a series of interviews with MPs his majestyDay 7 of Sheraton Move7.30am: It's now Day 7 of the Sheraton Move, a coup attempt to replace the Pakatan Harapan government with a new coalition called "Perikatan Nasional"
The coup plotters failed to install the new government but the Harapan government collapsed nonetheless
After a brief attempt by Harapan leaders to restore the previous government, efforts to resume the coup appears to be gaining the upper hand
As of last night, the frontrunners for prime minister now appear to be Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and his PKR counterpart Anwar Ibrahim
On the surface, Muhyiddin is leading with the support of 96 MPs from Umno, MCA, MIC, PAS and Bersatu which now has 36 lawmakers after 10 MPs aligned to Azmin Ali joined the party
Anwar, meanwhile, has the support of 92 MPs from Pakatan Harapan
The two main players that have yet to declare a side is GPS and Warisan, and both sides will be aggressively courted by Muhyiddin and Anwar's factions
It is unclear if interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad still wants to pursue his unity government agenda. - Mkini

---