KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in confirming his resignation today said he had done all he could to save the government of the day in a bid to manage the pandemic and prioritise recovery.
However, with 15 Umno MPs rescinding their support for him, Muhyiddin said there was nothing more he could do but to tender his resignation.
In a special address, Muhyiddin said there was now no longer a need for his legitimacy as prime minister to be put to the test in the next Dewan Rakyat sitting.
Muhyiddin also lamented that efforts to improve the Covid-19 situation and steer the country's economic recovery came to naught due to power struggle.
"This is due to the greed of some people who are relentless in efforts to be in power, rather than prioritising saving lives and protecting people's livelihoods.
"I have sought audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah) at 12.30pm at Istana Negara and tendered my resignation in accordance with Article 43(4) of the Federal Constitution.
"I have listened to appeals by some quarters to remain as the prime minister, but I am not able to fulfil that as I have lost the command of the majority," said Muhyiddin.
In expressing his faith in the wisdom of the King, he prayed that the country's peace and the people would continue to be protected.
Thanking the frontliners in fighting the pandemic and civil servants in implementing policies, he expressed appreciation to Cabinet members, as well as the top leadership in the civil service.
Muhyiddin was sworn in as the eighth prime minister in March last year.