Constitutional crisis, unless Muhyiddin tests MPs’ support, say lawyers

[superadmin]

PETALING JAYA: The nation will be heading towards a political and constitutional crisis if Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin fails to test his support in the Dewan Rakyat after losing the backing of Umno.

This is the view of two lawyers, constitutional expert Bastion Pius Vendargon and Rafique Rashid Ali.

According to them, Muhyiddin cannot ignore the decision announced by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last night to pull out the party’s support for him as prime minister.


Vendargon said Muhyiddin may also need to call for an emergency sitting of Parliament to test his support. He added that Umno MPs did not have to sign statutory declarations on their support or rejection of Muhyiddin.

“It (the Umno announcement) stands. That is, unless Umno MPs state they do not agree with the announcement and are willing to disobey party orders,” he added.


Therefore, as of now, the only way forward was for Muhyiddin to hold an emergency parliamentary sitting to test his support.

“If he does not do that, the country will spiral towards a political and constitutional crisis,” he said.

Under Article 43 of the Federal Constitution, Vendargon explained, Muhyiddin would need to submit his resignation to the King if he no longer commanded a majority in Parliament, and advise the King to hold an election or appoint an interim prime minister.


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