Muhyiddin says he has majority, wants Dr M to endorse his cabinet

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin reiterated that the new Perikatan Nasional (PN) government has the majority, but he still wants former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to endorse the administration.

Speaking at a press conference after chairing the new government's first cabinet meeting this morning, Muhyiddin thanked Mahathir for his view that the administration would last until the next general election.

"I want Mahathir to endorse this government. It is legal, it is constitutional.

"I think the people are hoping this government will deliver. We do not want a snap election. We are here to serve," he said during the conference at the Prime Minister's Office.

Answering a question on whether he really has the majority in Parliament, Muhyiddin said that was something that cannot be argued.

He also thanked Mahathir for saying in a recent interview that the PN government would be able to hold until the next general election.

"Of course, if not I won't be here. We do not want to argue about that. That's already done.

"It is good that Mahathir said it, that this cabinet will last until the next election. Thank you to Mahathir for his comment.

"But behind that, there are maybe some challenges that we understand we will have to face. Maybe if all MPs accept Mahathir's advice, there won't be a vote of no confidence in Parliament.

"So, whatever it is for us, as I have spoken to all the members today, it is important that we continue to further strengthen this government," he said.

In an exclusive interview with Malay daily Sinar Harian earlier this week, Mahathir (below) said the Muhyiddin-led government is likely to survive until the next election.

Mahathir claimed that Muhyiddin has "converted" some of his supporters to the prime minister's cause by offering "sweets" such as minister posts.

Albeit being in the same party Bersatu, Mahathir, who is its chairperson, is leading one faction that remains in Pakatan Harapan while Muhyiddin, who is the party president, leads another faction to form the new government together with Umno, PAS, GPS, MCA and MIC, among others.

Mahathir and Harapan had since challenged the validity of Muhyiddin administration, accusing the latter of not having the majority in Parliament.

The former governing coalition wants Muhyiddin to prove his numbers in the Dewan Rakyat, which has now been postponed to May.

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