In a national address today, Muhyiddin explained the reasons behind his attempt to reach bipartisan agreement for the opposition to back him in a motion of confidence in Parliament.

“The reason I have made this proposal is that it will allow the government to continue to function during the pandemic.

“At the same time, just like all of you, I have the responsibility of not allowing the kleptocrat group to govern if this political turmoil is not resolved immediately,” he said.

This was an obvious dig at Umno MPs like Najib Razak, with the term “kleptocrat” often used by the opposition against the former prime minister back in the 2018 polls.

Muhyiddin’s remarks also come just two weeks after claiming that he had been under pressure from “certain parties” to intervene in the court matters of several individuals facing criminal charges.

He said these individuals were uneasy over his strict stand in refusing to entertain their demands, adding that they were charged with criminal offences.

Umno MPs who are currently facing court charges include Najib, party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, secretary-general Ahmad Maslan, Bung Moktar Radin and Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.

Muhyiddin said he had no intention to continue clinging to power, adding that he knew the right thing to do was to return the mandate to the people when the time was right.

“Therefore, depending on the pandemic, I pledge that the 15th general election will be held by the end of July next year at the latest.”

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