Update Umno And Pas Retract Support For Dr M Want Snap Polls

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Bringing you updates on the developing situation following the collapse of the 20-month-old Pakatan Harapan government yesterday
7.10pm: All 18 GPS lawmakers had affirmed their support for Mahathir as prime minister to the King, says coalition whip Fadhilah Yusof
This declaration of support comes just moments after Umno and PAS retracted their support for Mahathir
Umno, PAS retract support for Dr M, want snap polls6.45pm: PWTC - BN and PAS retract their support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad, saying the latter wants to form a unity government based on individuals and not along party lines
Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa says Mahathir's plan also goes against the conditional support that they will not cooperate with DAP
"As such the support we gave to Mahathir was to form a coalition without DAP. We are now forced to take it back," he tells a press conference at PWTC
In such circumstances, he says, BN and PAS MPs have informed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong that they want Parliament to be dissolved and for a fresh election to be held
'Agong asked for PM candidate if Parliament should be dissolved'6.10pm: Istana Negara - Umno's Kuala Krau MP Ismail Mohamed Said (below) reveals that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong had asked MPs he interviewed two questions
Ismail, after being interviewed by the ruler, says the MPs were asked for their candidate as prime minister
He said that the ruler also asked if they preferred for a new government to be formed or for Parliament to be dissolved
"So we had two choices, whether to name a prime minister candidate or to dissolve Parliament," he added
However, he declines to reveal his preference or choice, citing confidentiality
Azmin's faction says actions based on people's aspirations6.05pm: Azmin Ali reiterates his faction's undivided support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad to serve as premier until the end of the term
Taking to Twitter this evening after meeting Mahathir in Putrajaya earlier, the Gombak MP says his faction's actions are based on the aspirations of the people for a stable government, greater unity as well as efforts to rehabilitate and spur economic growth
“We are confident this is the real mandate given by the people in the 14th general election. Our group comprises those of various races, religions and geographical locations who prioritise interracial, inter-religious and inter-cultural understanding,” he said
Azmin says he and 10 other former PKR MPs are now waiting for their turn to have an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah to be interviewed
“The step we have taken shows positive and encouraging developments. We are dealing with related issues in stages,” he adds
Azmin's ally blames 'two-time prisoner' Anwar for Harapan's collapse6pm: Gombak MP Azmin Ali's ally Khalid Jaafar blames PKR president Anwar Ibrahim for the overnight collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government
Echoing Azmin's explanation, he says this is because Anwar wanted to stage a “coup de grace” against Dr Mahathir Mohamad
“If this had succeeded, Mahathir would have become a 'lame duck' prime minister
“Azmin has repeatedly said that a mid-term transition of power will give the wrong signal to the people, especially investors,” he adds
In the Facebook posting, Khalid also accuses Anwar of “playing two-faced politics.”“He makes statements in public of supporting and giving space to Mahathir... But behind the scene, the two-time former prisoner orders his lackeys to drum up the transition issue,” he adds
6pm: The entourage of Umno MPs leaves the palace to attend a media conference at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)5.55pm: Dr Mahathir Mohamad has left the Prime Minister's Department
He waves to the media as he passes by
Earlier the Prime Minister's Office set up canopies outside Perdana Putra to give media practitioners shade from the elements
"This is a matter of welfare," says PMO deputy chief senior secretary Mohd Sallehuddin Hassan
5.50pm: Sri Aman MP Masir Kujat expresses his support for the Dr Mahathir Mohamad leadership
"Our side will put just one name, to support Tun M or dissolve the parliament and let the rakyat choose again," he says at Gate 2 of Istana Negara
Ayer Hitam MP Wee Ka Siong who leaves after Masir keeps mum on the details of the interview with Yang Di-Pertuan Agong
S'wak CM office says didn't finalise agreement with peninsular parties5.35pm: The Sarawak Chief Minister's Office says Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg had not finalised any agreements with the peninsular parties
It says this in response to claim that GPS, the Sarawak ruling coalition which Abang Johari leads, had struck a deal with PAS and Umno on forming the federal government
"This is only speculation by PSB. The chief minister did not finalise any agreement with any quarters in the peninsula," it says in a statement, according to the Malay Mail
PSB, a Sarawak-based opposition party, had accused of striking a deal with BN less than two years after withdrawing from the federal coalition
Guan Eng: Meeting tonight to discuss tomorrow's interview with King5.30pm: PKR headquarters - DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng arrives along with his wife Betty Chew and father Lim Kit Siang
Guan Eng says the meeting will discuss the plan for tomorrow regarding the interview with Yang di-Pertuan Agong
However, when asked what was discussed during his meeting with interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, he says: “We discussed.”Harapan leaders arrive at PKR HQ5.10pm: PKR headquarters - Amanah leaders Khalid Samad, Salahuddin Ayub, Husam Musa, Mujahid Yusof Rawa, Hatta Ramli and DAP leader M Kulasegaran arrive at PKR headquarters
It is learnt that the Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting will be held here later today
Asked on what will be the agenda of the meeting, Mujahid and Hatta both say they don't know yet
Mahathir met various political party leaders, says PMO5pm: Prime Minister's Department, Putrajaya - The Prime Minister's Office says Dr Mahathir Mohamad met with various political party leaders today
Among them are GPS chairperson Abang Johari Openg, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and Gombak MP Azmin Ali
It says Mahathir will meet with Warisan president Shafie Apdal tomorrow
C4 opposes inclusion of Umno into gov't at all cost5pm: The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) opposes and rejects any attempt to form a backdoor government
The watchdog also “strongly opposes and rejects the inclusion of Umno into the government at all cost.”“Although there are no laws being breached in forming such (a government), it must be remembered that the people voted in the Pakatan Harapan government on the basis of rejecting the previous corrupted regime
“Therefore, any attempt by the previous regime and current opposition to form a government with corrupted crooks and by bypassing the voters is an act of treachery which must be opposed strongly and fiercely,” it adds
C4 also urges Harapan MPs to place the interest of the people and nation above everything else
“We plead for the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to not allow the ambitions of traitorous politicians in destroying this country
“We plead for the Agong to protect democracy and let the voters choose their new government in the event Harapan is unable to reconfigure a new executive government,” he adds
I signed a form, says Petrajaya MP4.45pm: Istana Negara - Petrajaya MP Fadillah Yusof says he "signed a form" during an interview session with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah today
"We have undergone a process under the constitution," he tells the media outside Gate 2 of Istana Negara.  "There was only a form for us to sign," Fadillah adds when asked to shed details of the interview. Meanwhile, Santubong MP Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar declines to comment about the interview, saying that he and the King was only talking
Several minutes after the duo leaves the palace, Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein, Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, Arau MP Shahidan Kassim, and Tapah MP M Saravanan follow in separate cars without addressing the media
PAS lawmakers leave palace4.17pm: Istana Negara - About 30 minutes after PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang left, a bus ferrying numerous PAS MPs leaves the palace
Earlier, around 4pm, Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah was seen exiting Gate 2
Ninety MPs are in the palace to seek an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah today
The rest will meet him in another session tomorrow. Economic stimulus package will likely proceed - Guan Eng3.55pm: Former finance minister Lim Guan Eng says interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has indicated that an economic stimulus package which was in the works before Sunday's coup, will likely proceed
"Mahathir indicated that the economic stimulus package will go ahead on a date to be announced by him," Lim says in a brief statement
Lim had met Mahathir earlier this morning to discuss the stimulus package and other matters
Read more: Guan Eng confirms interim PM to proceed with economic stimulus planSarawak CM drops by PMO, GPS declares support for Dr M3.50pm: Prime Minister's Department, Putrajaya - Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg (photo) is the latest leader to drop by Perdana Putra today
Soon after his arrival, a statement from GPS secretary-general Alexander Nanta Linggi declares the coalition's full support for Mahathir to continue serving as prime minister
Abang Johari's car is followed by three other vehicles
His coalition GPS is deemed to be a kingmaker in the ongoing efforts to form a new government
Hadi leaves Istana Negara3.50pm: Istana Negara - PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang leaves the palace. Looking cheerful, Hadi refuses to address the media members and just waves his hand before leaving the area on his car
Penang CM briefs governor on current political situation3.45pm: George Town - Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow briefs Governor Abdul Rahman Abbas on the current political situation for about 20 minutes at his official residence
According to Chow, there is a possibility of two Bersatu assemblypersons leaving Pakatan Harapan in Penang
"If they vacate their seats, they will be subjected to the 2012 Anti-Hopping Law, which calls for by-elections," Chow says, adding that he had consulted the state legal advisor over this matter
"For PKR, so far no reports about any members leaving Harapan, so Penang situation is stable. Governor is also confident about the situation in Penang," he adds
Bersatu contested the seats in Bertam (Khalid Mehtab) and Teluk Bahang (Zulkifli Lazim) under PKR ticket in the 2018 general election
"However, there is no hurry to vacate the seats since the situation at the federal level remains unclear," Chow says
He is scheduled to meet the Agong tomorrow
Zahid, Najib arrive to meet Agong3.30pm: Istana Negara - An entourage comprises of two busses and numerous cars ferrying Umno MPs including Bagan Datuk MP Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Pekan MP Najib Abdul Razak, Ketereh MP Annuar Musa and Putrajaya MP Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor arrive at the palace
It is learnt that the entourage comes from PWTC
Some PAS and MCA MPs are also believed to be in the entourage
Ku Li returns to palace to join other MPs3.15pm: Istana Negara - Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah who came to the palace this morning and left, returns to join other MPs
A moment later, Batang Sadong MP Nancy Shukry, Petra jaya Fadillah Yusof, and Santubong MP Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar came in a group of separate cars. Yes, I'm meeting Tuanku - Hishammuddin 3.11pm: Istana Negara - Sembrong MP Hishammuddin Hussein arrives at Istana Negara. Upon requests by media members to get a comment from him, Hishammuddin winds down the window and briefly says "Yes, I'm meeting Tuanku," before he proceeds with the journey
PKR rep urges GPS, Warisan to support Anwar3.10pm: Semambu assemblyperson Lee Chean Chung wants GPS and Warisan to throw their support behind PKR president Anwar Ibrahim
In a statement, he claims this is as PKR’s political ideology is closely aligned to the sentiment of the people of Sabah and Sarawak and that the party is present there
“PKR ideology fights for justice for all rakyat, pluralism and openness that is suitable for Sabah and Sarawak. For the past decade, PKR… has pressed for the legitimacy and importance of Sabah, Sarawak has resulted in many discussions on autonomy in the region of Sabah and Sarawak
“[...] This, in the current heated political restructuring, visionary Sabah, Sarawak leaders should pick Anwar or PKR as their political ally so that sincere and practical cooperation can be carried out,” Lee says
Kadir Jasin: Dr M appealed Bersatu not to force him into reneging promise to Anwar2.50pm: Bersatu supreme council member A Kadir Jasin in a blog posting paints a version of events that tallies with what PKR and DAP have been saying about Mahathir
Kadir (photo) says that during Sunday's supreme council meeting, Mahathir had appealed to the party "not to force him to abandon his principle and renege on his promise" to hand over power to Anwar Ibrahim after the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (Apec) summit in November
He says that Mahathir also resigned as Bersatu chairperson because the supreme council “listened more to his political secretary than him”
Anwar and DAP have said that Mahathir was not a party to Sunday's coup attempt
20 lawmakers arrive at Istana Negara2.50pm: Istana Negara - A bus ferrying about 20 MPs have arrived at Istana Negara to seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah
Earlier, three cars ferrying MPs were also seen entering the palace
It is learnt that more MPs will arrive anytime now
Around 60 media members are on standby outside the Gate 2 of the palace where 90 MPs are expected to have an audience with the King today
BN, PAS MPs head to Istana, King to meet Harapan tomorrow2.30pm: PWTC - BN and PAS lawmakers have boarded a bus and are heading to Istana Negara
Among them are PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and Baling MP Azeez Abdul Rahim
According to sources, the Agong will first interview BN lawmakers today, and Harapan MPs tomorrow
Bar: Parliament should determine who commands majority2.25pm: The Malaysian Bar opines that it is Parliament that should determine who commands the confidence of the majority in the august House
“If indeed Pakatan Harapan has lost its majority, then efforts need to be made to ascertain who is now able to command the confidence of the majority in the Dewan Rakyat, to be appointed the prime minister
“In this regard, we echo the advice of the Attorney-General Tommy Thomas - the government’s chief legal adviser - that the way forward is to have this matter determined by the Dewan Rakyat when it reconvenes on March 10
“At that point, a vote of confidence or otherwise could be taken and debated against the interim prime minister,” Bar president Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor says in a statement
He adds that this is as statutory declarations (SDs) cannot be used to determine the support of MPs since the authenticity of such SDs can be disputed. Wan Saiful promotes 'gov't without opposition' if Dr M gets full support2.10pm: Bersatu supreme council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan (photo) promotes an idealistic scenario, for MPs to form a unity government headed by Mahathir
"If Mahathir gets 100 percent support from the Dewan Rakyat, he can appoint anyone from any party to be in the cabinet
"In other words, the entire Dewan Rakyat supports him, then a unity government will be formed without there being an opposition. If this can happen, I think the government will be more stable," he says in a statement
This idealistic scenario, however, has major obstacles
Umno has voiced objection to being in a coalition with DAP, and PAS is likely to strongly object as well. Likewise, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister James Masing also says that GPS doesn't want to work with DAP
Amanah, PKR and DAP, meanwhile, will not want to work with Umno, PAS, Bersatu or the defectors from Azmin Ali's camp
Umno MPs on standby to be interviewed by Agong2.10pm: PWTC - Umno MPs are standing by to be called up to be interviewed by the King
Ketereh MP Annuar Musa and Bera MP Ismail Sabri Yaacob have been at the Umno headquarters since 10.45am
Others present are Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Kuala Krau MP Ismail Mohamed Said
Azmin's faction confident on 'positive developments', waiting to meet King1.58pm: Azmin Ali's faction today reiterated their support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad to serve out a full term as prime minister
The 11 MPs in a joint statement says they are waiting for their turn to meet the King, and are confident that there will be positive developments towards their efforts
Azmin is seen leaving the Prime Minister's Department at around this time. He lowers his window to wave at the press but doesn't answer any questions
Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin was spotted leaving the premises earlier at around 1.30pm
Kit Siang: Harapan gov't not perfect but worth saving1.40pm: DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang (below) believes the Pakatan Harapan government is worth saving although acknowledging that it is not perfect
According to him, no other political grouping in Malaysia is committed to restoring Tunku Abdul Rahman’s vision of a Malaysia as “a beacon of light in a difficult and distracted world.”“I do not agree with all the things done in the name of the Pakatan Harapan government in the past 20 months, but as I said to DAP leaders yesterday, so long as DAP leaders remain true, loyal and steadfast to their principles and objectives to make Malaysia a great nation, and do not go against their conscience, they must be prepared to be unpopular and even misunderstood
“But I believe that the Harapan coalition is worth saving, and all efforts should be made by Malaysians to defeat the attempts by irresponsible political opportunists to topple the Harapan government
“Because the alternative to the Malaysian Dream that we are trying to achieve of the country becoming a Tiger Economy and a world top-class nation is a Malaysian Nightmare of the reversion to a global kleptocracy, a failed and rogue state, and even worse, the advent of a kakistocracy where the worst, the most unscrupulous and the most unprincipled elements of society occupy the high offices of state in the nation
“The Harapan government is not perfect, but we are set in this direction of a New Malaysia, and no other political group has made a similar commitment to continue in this direction in Malaysian nation-building,” he adds
Chief secretary ensures civil service will continue to function1.30pm: Chief secretary to the government Mohd Zuki Ali says he is ensuring the smooth functioning of the civil service in the absence of a government
"Meeting with chief secretaries of the ministries to ensure services continue as usual for continuity and implementation of existing policies for the people and country," he says in a Twitter post
Read more: Chief secretary: Business as usual for civil serviceMohd Zuki will later have to act as a witness for interviews to be conducted by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong on all MPs to determine who they support
Mohd Zuki Ali✔@zukiAli_Mesyuarat Khas bersama Ketua-Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian bagi meneruskan khidmat seperti biasa untuk kelangsungan perancangan dan pelaksanaan dasar-dasar sedia ada untuk rakyat dan negara.#KetuaSetiausahaNegara#KepercayaanUntukBerkhidmat#TrustToServe#Bekerjasepertibiasa79112:08 PM - Feb 25, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy354 people are talking about thisKing urges rakyat to be patient1.15pm: Istana Negara - Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah tells the people to be patient in regard to the latest situation
"We are very concerned... just be patient. First of all, let me do the duties
"I hope we will find the best solution for the country," he says
Earlier, he handed over lunch meals from McDonald's to the media on duty here
Perak state gov't functioning as usual: Ahmad Faizal 1.10pm: Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu says the state government is still functioning as usual, despite what's going on in Putrajaya
"I am still carrying out my duties and responsibilities as menteri besar as was entrusted to me, and still have the majority support from the Perak state assemblypersons
"The exco members are also carrying out their duties as usual," Ahmad Faizal (below) says in a statement
He adds that he has briefed Perak's Sultan Nazrin Shah about the current political situation
He urges the people to help with efforts to overcome the political crisis affecting the country, so that the government can focus on developing the nation and looking after the people
Agong to interview all MPs today, tomorrow12.50am: Istana Negara - Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah will be interviewing all lawmakers today and tomorrow
The comptroller of the royal family and household, Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin (photo), says the first group of 90 MPs will be meeting the King starting 2.30pm today
They will each get two to three minutes with the sovereign and the meeting will be witnessed by the chief secretary to the government Mohd Zuki Ali
The remaining MPs will meet the Agong tomorrow
"What is being done by the King is in line with constitutional requirements, that he must have the confidence in one individual," Ahmad Fadil says
Full story here
Anwar enters Perdana Putra12.35pm: Prime Minister's Department, Putrajaya - PKR president Anwar Ibrahim is seen entering Perdana Putra
His vehicle does not slow down for the media
'PAS has the potential to be in new federal gov't'12.30pm: Kota Bharu - PAS vice-president Mohd Amar Abdullah says his party has "potential" to be part of the new federal government following the dissolution of Pakatan Harapan government and jostling among the parties to form the new government
"We don't know yet but in the current situation, we have the potential
"There is a possibility we will be in the next federal government," he says after chairing the Kelantan exco meeting
S'gor gov't intact, but what about Bersatu and PKR renegades?12.15pm: Istana Bukit Kayangan, Shah Alam - After an audience with the Selangor ruler, Menteri Besar and Selangor PKR head Amirudin Shari says all is well with the Pakatan Harapan administration in his state
He reveals that he has met his Bersatu counterpart Abdul Rashid Asari prior to the meeting at the palace. Selangor Bersatu's stand on whether they are in or out of government is still unclear
Even without Bersatu, the coalition of PKR, DAP and Amanah will still have a comfortable majority in the Selangor legislative assembly
Full store here
Briefing for media members at palace 12.15pm: Istana Negara - Media members are in the management office at Istana Negara for a special briefing by the comptroller of the royal family and household, Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, on the flow of today's event which is scheduled to start at 2.30pm today
Rais Yatim hopes MPs won't 'turn around' on support for Dr M12.10pm: Bersatu supreme council member Rais Yatim hopes that MPs meeting the King will not "turn around" on their support for Mahathir
"Now there is no more Harapan government. Tun (Mahathir) is only an interim prime minister before a prime minister with a cabinet is appointed by the Agong
"When Mahathir gets majority support, he can form a new government, but not a Haparan government. I hope the MPs who meet the Agong today won't turn around (pusing belakang)," he tweets
The King is expected to gauge the support of lawmakers today, to see if a government can be formed
T'ganu MB, Bersatu sec-gen enter Perdana Putra12pm: Prime Minister's Department, Putrajaya - Terengganu menteri besar Samsuri Mokhtar is seen entering Perdana Putra at 11.55am
Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya is also seen making his way into the complex
Wan Azizah clears out office11.54am: Prime Minister's Department, Putrajaya - So far this morning, most of the personalities that have gone in and out, ostensibly to meet with interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, are from the group that had tried to form a new coalition to oust the Pakatan Harapan government, including Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein and former PKR deputy president Azmin Ali
PKR adviser Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and her daughter Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar turning up here had led to questions if they too were involved in whatever negotiations going on inside. However, this does not appear to be the case
Nurul Izzah, speaking to Malaysiakini, says she and her mother was not there to meet Mahathir. Instead, Nurul Izzah says she was helping her mother to clear out from the Deputy Prime Minister's Office
"We were with our mother to gather her things from the DPM office and then we moved to the Women's Ministry (to pack our things)," she says
Nurul Izzah adds that her mother also took the opportunity to thank the staff who had served under her as deputy prime minister
Umno won't join any gov't with DAP in it11.45am: Umno information chief Shamsul Anuar Nasarah says his party will not join any new coalition government that has DAP in it
"DAP is a very racist party that cannot be trusted," he says
Shamsul (photo) also slams DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng for blaming Umno's involvement in forming a new coalition for the Pakatan Harapan government's demise
"The destruction of the Harapan government is due to Harapan's own leadership, particularly the DAP," he says
Selamat bertugas, says Maszlee to reporters11.45am: Istana Negara - Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik alights his car to hand over drinks to media members who are on duty outside of Istana Negara, before entering the palace
The former education minister refuses to answer any questions pertaining to the current turmoil political situation, only saying "selamat bertugas."Azmin enters PMO as Hisham leaves11.39am: Prime Minister's Department, Putrajaya - A vehicle ferrying former Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein is seen leaving the Prime Minister's Office
Meanwhile, a vehicle carrying former PKR deputy president Azmin Ali enters the complex
Johor Umno 'confident' can form new gov't with PKR defection11.20am: Johor Umno is confident that they can form a new state government together with Bersatu, thanks to a defection from PKR
"We should be getting one from PKR... this was promised to us by their boss from KL. Maybe there will be more than one," Johor Umno chief Hasni Mohammad tells Malaysiakini
At present Johor has a hung state assembly. PKR, DAP and Amanah have 28 seats, as do Bersatu, Umno, MIC, and PAS
Read more: Johor Umno confident there can be new state gov't with PKR defectionS'gor Harapan leaders leave after 2-hour meeting with sultan11.10am: Istana Bukit Kayangan, Shah Alam - Selangor Harapan leaders left Istana Bukit Kayangan in Shah Alam at around 10.45am after a two-hour meeting with Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah
Speaking to reporters outside the palace, Selangor Amanah chief Izham Hashim says all is well and that the Harapan state government is stable
"Selangor is all good, there is no problem. The meeting (with the sultan) went smoothly," he says, adding that Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari will be making a statement soon
Besides Izham and Amirudin, Selangor DAP chief Gobind Singh Deo also attended the meeting
Zahid, Wan Azizah and Nurul at PMO11.00am: Putrajaya - Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is among those at the Prime Minister's Department complex
Also present are PKR advisor Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar
Meanwhile, MPs loyal to Azmin Ali are gathering at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur
According to Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin, they are waiting for instructions to head to the palace to form a new government
Kepong MP accuses Azmin of trying to 'twist by telling tales'11am: Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng accuses former Pakatan Harapan lawmaker Azmin Ali of spinning a yarn in trying to justify alleged attempts to form a new government as supporting Dr Mahathir Mohamad
“Azmin tried to twist (the narrative) by telling tales and trying to be the hero, while Azmin is the wolf in sheep’s clothing (musang berbulu ayam)... willing to bond with (alleged) corrupt from Umno
“It is surprising he can claim there are plans to topple Mahathir when Harapan leaders have unanimously handed the decision on power transition (on the premiership) to the (then) prime minister himself,” the DAP lawmaker says in a statement
He calls on the other 10 PKR MPs who quit the party in the footsteps of Azmin, the former party deputy president, to explain their decisions. Sri Gading MP enters palace11am: Istana Negara - Sri Gading MP Shahruddin Md Salleh, who is also the former deputy federal territories minister, enters the palace in a Perodua Bezza car
CJ and AG arrive at Istana Negara10.47am: Istana Negara - Attorney-General Tommy Thomas arrives at Istana Negara. His car enters the palace via Gate 2
It is also learnt that the Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat (photo) arrived earlier around 10.30am
Both of them are seeking an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah
The arrival of Tengku Maimun is informed by a police officer stationed outside the palace's Gate 2. Ku Li arrives at Istana Negara10.45am: Istana Negara - Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah arrives at Istana NegaraFormer DPM Wan Azizah arrives at PMO10.30am: Putrajaya - Former deputy prime minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail arrives at Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya. Business as usual in Penang, Kedah10.25am: After Bersatu quits Pakatan Harapan, Kedah government has technically fallen
The 36-member Kedah state legislative assembly has PKR (7), Bersatu (6), Amanah (4), DAP (2), PAS (15) and BN (2)
However, Kedah government leaders say that it's "business as usual" for them
State Kedah executive councillor Simon Ooi says Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir (photo) was supposed to hold an exco meeting today
"However, that has been postponed to tomorrow, until further notice. We will wait to meet him to see if there is any further developments. For now, we work as usual," he tells Malaysiakini
Meanwhile, in Penang, Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy says Penang there are no changes in the state administration for now as it is solidly backed by DAP
"It's business as usual," says Ramasamy
The 40-member Penang Legislative Assembly is dominated by DAP (19) seats, with PKR (14), Bersatu (2), Amanah (2), BN (2) and PAS (1)
Yeo Bee Yin recalls fall of BN regime10.15am: Yeo Bee Yin posts a photograph from May 10, 2018, following the fall of BN regime in GE14
Reminiscing on that moment, in the early hours of the morning when the newly elected Pakatan Harapan lawmakers stood facing a sea of pressmen and women, the Bakri MP expresses gratitude that attempts last weekend by some to allegedly form a backdoor government did not materialise
“I took this picture from the stage at PJ Sheraton Hotel in the early morning (probably around 3am) of May 10, 2018, when the Pakatan Harapan newly elected members of parliament stood together to declare that corrupt regime of Umno/BN was finally over and that for the first time in the history of Malaysia, the federal government was changed
“Malaysia shone as a symbol of democracy to the world... Malaysia changed from a kleptocratic country to the beacon of hope in the region overnight
“[...]I don't want this place, once marked by a historical democratic win of millions of fellow Malaysians who hungered for change, to be tainted by the few selfish and power-crazed politicians. But it is not over yet,” the former energy, science, technology, environment and climate change minister says
She says efforts are not to protect the Harapan government but rather the “legitimate government elected through the ballot boxes”
“We are protecting democracy. Let us show to the next generation that election and voting are something worth doing.”You can read the full post on Facebook here.  LFL calls for 'proper and democratic' fresh election10.05am: Rights group Lawyers for Liberty says a “proper and democratic” fresh general election must be called as all parties are not able to work together and if there is no one person to command the confidence of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat
“The Pakatan Harapan coalition was always going to face challenges, but progress was being made towards genuine reform. Under this administration, Malaysia has become a more accountable, transparent and rights-respecting democracy
“Unfortunately, the coalition has also been tainted by the relentless tussle for power since GE14. Instead of building on the trust and goodwill of the people, this has jeopardised the momentous opportunity for change and disregarded the people’s mandate
“We urge the elected representatives to firmly focus and continue with the reform process and not allow Malaysia to revert to the old corrupt and divisive politics that we voted to leave behind,” LFL director Melissa Sasidaran says in a statement
Stimulus package will not be announced on Feb 2710am: Former deputy international trade and industry minister Ong Kian Ming (photo) says the stimulus package will not be announced on Feb 27 as originally planned
"I think you can clearly say that it (stimulus package) is no longer on the card as there is no government right now," he tells business radio BFM earlier today
Ong says no new policy can be announced without the formation of a new government
He says the priority right now is to form a new government
Pakatan Harapan government announced the stimulus package to help industries hit hard by Covid-19. Dr M arrives at PMO9.40am: Putrajaya -Dr Mahathir Mohammad reaches the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya
This officially marks his first day entering office as the interim prime minister following his appointment by the Agong yesterday
Yesterday, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas explained there is no time limit attached to the office of the interim prime minister
Mahathir may now decide whether to appoint cabinet members at his discretion. This is until a new premier is appointed
Najib’s trial postponed as he needs to attend PWTC meeting9.24am: KL High Court -Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak will be heading to PWTC for a crucial political meeting around 10.30am
After that, he also needs to attend a meeting at Istana Negara.  This is relayed by his lead defence counsel Muhammad Shafee Abdullah to the Kuala Lumpur High Court this morning
These were among the reasons Shafee cited for the postponement of Najib's RM42 million SRC International trial to tomorrow afternoon
It is believed that the PWTC meeting is related to the current national political upheaval
Malacca Harapan confirms it no longer controls the State Assembly8.30am: In what appears to be a move to bid farewell, Malacca Chief Minister Adly Zahari (below) expresses gratitude to those who gave him the opportunity to lead
"Although the time is short, I have tried my best with all the energy I have to relieve (the people) from the hunger, evil and sadness," he says in a social media posting
Read more: Malacca Harapan confirms it no longer controls the state assemblySpeaking with Malaysiakini, Malacca state executive councillor Tey Kok Kiew confirms the Pakatan Harapan-led state government no longer commands the majority in the State Legislative Assembly
"(Bersatu) had quit from Harapan and we do not have the numbers now," says Tey, who is the Malacca DAP chief
Leaders begin to arrive at Mahathir’s residence8.50am: PM's residence, Seri Kembangan - Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin is the first to arrive at the home of interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad
His car is seen driving in at 8.05am
Next up is Mukhriz Mahathir at 8.10am and Rina Harun at 8.20am
Ex-cabinet members bid farewell to ministries8.20am: Several former members of the Pakatan Harapan cabinet are posting emotional farewells online as they leave their ministries following the collapse of the government
Former international trade and industry (Miti) minister Darell Leiking (above) thanks his ex-deputy Ong Kian Ming and other ministry staff and says there is more left to be done
Meanwhile, former women, family and community development deputy minister Hannah Yeoh posts: “The burden I carry, especially for children, I can lay it down tonight as it is no longer mine to carry. This season comes to an end. For now.”She, however, says the ministry is in “good hands”, especially as it has just completed its retreat with staff in which the direction, roadmap and area of focus were decided
“You have the vision, now run with it.”This as yesterday, Dzulkefly Ahmad posts his last sharing as health minister by informing on the recovery of two more Covid-19 patients
Cabinet dissolution won't affect tackling of Covid-198am: Health Ministry secretary-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah says the dissolution of the cabinet will not affect the government's effort in handling Covid-19
"All health issues and challenges will be continued as usual," he tells Malaysiakini in a text message
This is because, Noor Hisham says, the Health Ministry is a technical ministry where all experts are available
Some have raised concern that the dissolution of the cabinet yesterday would impact the government's effort in tackling the coronavirus
As of yesterday, a total of 20 patients out of 22 recovered from the coronavirus
The epidemic has infected close to 80,000 people around the world and killed more than 2,600 as of yesterday
Bersatu sec-gen denies reports of party leaders quitting8am: Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya (below) denies reports that any of the party leaders would be quitting
"I wish to make clear that we are making stern denial that any of our MPs or Bersatu leaders who have been rumoured to be exiting Bersatu (are leaving)
"We are still intact," he tells reporters after the party's supreme council meeting in Petaling Jaya shortly after midnight
There were talks that a number of Bersatu leaders would join Dr Mahathir Mohamad in quitting their posts in the party. They include Bersatu Youth chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and former education minister Maszlee Malik
Both Syed Saddiq and Maszlee attended the party’s supreme council meeting last night, which decided to reject Mahathir’s resignation as Bersatu chairperson
Meanwhile, Marzuki also said the party's decision to leave Pakatan Harapan yesterday was a unanimous decision made by the Bersatu supreme council
According to him, Bersatu leaders have yet to discuss possible cooperation with Umno and PAS but are thankful that the two opposition parties have expressed their support for Mahathir
Saari Sungip supports Azmin's sacking7.50am: Hulu Kelang assemblyperson Saari Sungip expresses support for the PKR leadership’s termination of Gombak MP Azmin Ali’s membership
Saari, whose seat falls within the Gombak parliamentary constituency, says he disagrees with the former PKR deputy president’s actions in allegedly triggering the current political turmoil at a time when the country is battling to contain the spread of Covid-19, facing economic uncertainty and fighting corruption
“I disagree with Azmin’s actions affecting the Pakatan Harapan government’s administration through a political alliance that will enable Umno and PAS, that have been rejected by the people, to return to power
“I hold to the people’s mandate in GE14 which elected Harapan as the legitimate government,” he says on Facebook
Saari adds that he will continue to ensure the welfare of the people of Hulu Kelang and Gombak
Rais Hussin: Appoint Dzulkefly Ahmad as interim health minister7.50am: Bersatu's chief strategist Rais Hussin (photo) suggests interim Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad appoint Dzulkefly Ahmad as interim health minister
Taking to social media, he says this is needed to control the spread of Covid-19 in Malaysia
"The coronavirus crisis is escalating elsewhere. This appointment is in the best interest of all Malaysians, not for few," said the Emir Research president
Mahathir's resignation as prime minister yesterday immediately triggered the disbanding of the cabinet
Day 3 of political upheaval7.40am: An unprecedented political upheaval which led to the collapse of the 20-month-old Pakatan Harapan government enters Day 3 today
Dr Mahathir Mohamad is being supported by both sides fighting for control of the federal government, but despite this, no one side has yet to emerge with a clear parliamentary majority
Mahathir is currently the sole member of government after being appointed interim prime minister by the king yesterday following his shock resignation
All ministerial posts have been vacated, pending the formation of a new government.   - Mkini

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