DPM doesn’t take over if PM quits, says academic

[superadmin]

PETALING JAYA: The deputy prime minister does not automatically take over if a prime minister steps down, according to an academic, as politicians and others continue to call for Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation.

Syed Arabi Idid, a professor of political communications, said that the whole Cabinet would have to quit if Muhyiddin resigns from his post as prime minister.

“The post cannot automatically go to anyone else, even to his deputy,” he said.

He suggested that the “Perak model” of changing the head of government be used, referring to the change of menteri besar in Perak in December, when Ahmad Faizal Azumu of Bersatu was ousted through a confidence vote in the state assembly. There were only 10 votes in his favour and 48 against, with one abstention.

Perak Umno chief Saarani Mohamad, who is assemblyman for Kota Tampan, was appointed as menteri besar by Sultan Nazrin Shah after assembly members from PAS and Bersatu pledged their support through the presentation of sworn statements to the sultan.



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