KUANTAN: Pahang DAP has hit out at former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin over his refusal to apologise or admit his wrongdoings, despite being on the receiving end of a royal rebuke.
DAP central executive committee member and Pahang DAP secretary Lee Chin Chen described Muhyiddin's attitude as immature, adding that the Bersatu president and Perikatan Nasional chairman had failed to respect the constitutional process and the royal institution, which has an important role in ensuring national stability.
"Despite the Pahang palace issuing a statement expressing anger towards Muhyiddin, he refuses to apologise or admit his mistake. He should understand that respecting the constitution is the responsibility of every citizen, especially so for a political leader who once held the highest office in the country.
"He must accept the fact that he failed to secure majority support to become prime minister and this was the result of his own actions, for betraying the Pakatan Harapan in 2022. It would be better for him to respect the decision that was made and not accuse other quarters just because he is no longer in power.
"I urge him to immediately withdraw his statement and apologise to Malaysians and the royal institution. We cannot allow narrow political interests to ruin the harmony and stability that we have enjoyed for a long time," he said in a statement.
Lee, who is also Pahang state legislative assembly deputy speaker, said as a politician, Muhyiddin should speak based on facts and not merely make reckless accusations against the royal institution.
"The statement (he made) was an insult to the royal institution that has been entrusted by the Federal Constitution to maintain stability and national sovereignty. Articles 40(2) and 43(2) of the Federal Constitution state that the prime minister is appointed at the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and must command the confidence of the majority... any attempt to dispute the authority is an irresponsible act and could jeopardise the political stability of the country.
"It is worth reminding everyone that the prime minister has been appointed by the King based on institutional provisions and commands the majority support of the lawmakers. If Muhyiddin is dissatisfied, he can propose a vote of no confidence in Parliament and not openly attack the royal institution," he said.
Lee said Muhyiddin's actions do not only affect the political stability of the country but also devalues the dignity of the royal institution.
"As a leader, he should be wise with his words and actions for the sake of the country, instead of engaging in slander and insulting the country's main institutions," he said.
On Aug 15, during campaigning in Felda Perasu for the Nenggiri by-election, Muhyiddin was alleged to have touched on the authority of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah while he was serving as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Today, Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed his anger towards Muhyiddin, describing the latter's statement as very dangerous.
However, Muhyiddin refused to bow down, saying his speech was a factual statement that was not intended to insult the monarchy. Muhyiddin will have his statement recorded by the police tomorrow.